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We are a small hobby breeder located in Spokane, Washington. We chose Goldens because they are intelligent and versatile, but most of all because they make great family pets due to their friendly, eager to please demeanor and their loyal, gentle temperaments. We knew that for our family, this was a great breed for us! We are thrilled to share this wonderful breed with our clients. Why Goldens? Their easy going, affable personality is something you will love, especially as they snuggle up to you! They have enormous love for water and games, but even more love for you! Eager to Please — while some pets can be hyper-independent or very clinging, Goldens are so intelligent that they are always looking for ways to please their owners, which makes them willing and enthusiastic when following your commands with proper training of course! Great with Children — most children love dogs, but not all dogs love children. Goldens have a natural gentleness and long-suffering personality that make them perfect for kids even if they are the tail-pulling, climb-on-top variety of children! They are known as symmetrical, powerful dogs bred for tough working conditions with a muscular, well-coordinated body. They are known to turn heads and bring smiles wherever they go! Spending time with your Golden will foster a fierce loyalty and forge a bond that will last a lifetime. Golden Mountain Retrievers. We have answers. What are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Spokane like? A Golden Retriever is a perky, loyal, and loving breed of dog that has become increasingly popular as a companion pet. With an outgoing and friendly personality, Golden Retrievers are incredibly smart creatures that easily learn new tricks. They are very family-oriented and thrive when given a job or task to focus on. The breed has a thick, luxurious coat that typically sheds and requires regular brushing and grooming. Frequent exercise is necessary for a Golden Retriever since they possess a strong will and require plenty of mental stimulation. How can I manage allergies with Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Spokane? Golden Retrievers can be wonderful family pets, but allergies can be a concern for some potential owners. To help manage allergens, it's important to regularly bathe and groom your furry friend to reduce the amount of free-floating allergens in the air. Keeping their fur trimmed short may also help reduce the amount of allergens they shed. Be sure to regularly vacuum carpets and furniture, and dust shelves and walls to help remove these dirty particles from your home. Additionally, use an allergen-reducing air filter to capture and filter the air of particles. What do Spokane Golden Retriever puppies for sale eat? Golden Retrievers have a diet variable depending on their life stage. Generally, they should receive a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. Puppies require more frequent meals of a high-quality diet designed to meet their growth and development needs. Adult Retrievers should be given a good quality diet of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Treats should be given sparingly, as their nutrition should mainly come from the diet. What are some essentials I should buy before getting Golden Retriever puppies in Spokane? Before getting a Golden Retriever, you should make sure you have the essentials necessary for a smooth transition. It's important to get a comfortable bed for your pup, chew-proof toys, a crate or kennel, potty pads, quality food and treats, grooming supplies, a harness or collar with an ID tag, and a securely-closed fence or pens. Additionally, it's a good idea to purchase items such as a collar with a leash, interactive toys, and a puzzle toy. How big do Golden Retrievers for sale in Spokane get? Golden Retrievers are typically considered a medium-sized breed of dog. Generally speaking, an adult Golden Retriever will measure anywhere from 20 to 24 inches in height and may weigh up to 75 pounds. While this is typically the largest size you can expect to see, there are instances where a Golden Retriever may reach heights of 27 inches or more and weigh as much as pounds. However these cases are usually caused by intentional overfeeding and can have adverse effects on a dog's health. Are Golden Retriever puppies near Spokane active dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers are highly active dogs. They have high energy levels and need lots of exercise and playtime. They are usually described as sporting, energetic, enthusiastic, intelligent and sociable; characteristics that keep them moving and interacting with their environment. They enjoy outdoor activities such as hikes, swimming, running, and agility courses. Golden Retrievers are also excellent family dogs, as they bond quickly with their owners and love to play with family and friends. They are sensitive to human emotion and thrive when given plenty of affection and attention. Do Golden Retrievers in Spokane get along with kids? Golden Retrievers are known to be very friendly and gentle, and they develop strong bonds with their families. This breed stays active and playful into adulthood, so you may find that they want to join in whatever game the kids are playing. As long as Golden Retrievers are socialized and trained properly, it's easy to see why they make such great family pets, especially when there are children in the home. Are Spokane Golden Retrievers for sale considered smart dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers are considered to be highly intelligent dogs with an eagerness to please their owners. They are consistently ranked among the most intelligent dog breeds for their ability to learn commands quickly and overall trainability. They have an excellent memory that helps them retain what they have learned and an intuitive and natural ability to get along with people and other animals. This makes them an ideal companion and great family pet.

This four-leg animal is responsible and has traits like Bernese—loyalty. The Best Bernedoodle breeders in New Jersey offer a fluffy ball for all of you who love doggos but are allergic. Additionally, this canine is low to non-shedding. Bernedoodle puppies in New Jersey are like best friends—will cuddle you, hike with you, lay by your side. In simpler words, this cutie is always there to accompany you. It is interesting to notice that no two doodles will be identical. The genes from the parent breed meld in unique ways and, it is mesmerizing to watch each one being produced. However, the three categories in sizes are presented below. Standard Bernedoodle—The standard size of these pooches usually ranges from 23 to 29 inches at shoulder height. The weight of these canines usually lies between 50 t0 90 pounds. Moreover, the size can vary based on sex as well. A healthy doodle lives for 15 to 19 years approximately. Mini Doodles— As per their name, these doodles are mini- little shorter than a standard dog. The height of these fluffy balls is between 18 to 22 inches with a weight of 25 to 29 pounds. These small and tiny four-leg animal lives of r 15 to 17 years approximately. Micromini or toy— These poochies are super adorable and comparatively small. The height of the canine reaches 12 to 17 inches. Moreover, they weigh almost 10 to 12 pounds. These cuties are known to have the lengthiest lifetime of 17 to 18 years. Therefore, you much consider the steps given below to choose the right breeder. You must take feedback from your friends and family if they got the doggo from the 5 Best Bernedoodle breeders in New Jersey. You should search on the websites to get accurate information on these canines. Do visit a couple of breeders before making your final selection. Clear all your queries and doubts it would be best for a person having this breed. Feel good if you are being interviewed by the breeder this shows they care about the new home for their beloved doodle. Since this doodle is a hybrid breed, you can notice a significant difference in the size, temperament, and colors of this pup. Therefore, you should choose this doggo carefully—according to the temperament that suits your family well. These cuties love to play outdoors with your kids and enjoy cuddling as well. They are a perfect family pooch if trained well. Therefore, it is highly necessary to get your canine from a good breeder. To get a full insight on the best breeder in New Jersey, please go ahead. They have a rigorous screening process for breeders to ensure that all puppies are bred in responsible and ethical conditions. PuppySpot also offers a health guarantee for all puppies and provides ongoing support to buyers to ensure that the puppies are properly taken care of. Overall, purchasing a Bernedoodle puppy in New Jersey from PuppySpot can provide peace of mind and a positive experience for buyers. Although they are new, they have made a good standing in the market as they follow best practices. These pooches are raised well—not in cages but like family members in the home. Getting enough love, and attention, and being raised with the rest of the pets makes this doggo adapt to the home environment effortlessly. You can find all sizes of doodles with this breeder. All the details on these doodles and breeder are available on the website—pictures, litter dates, and all the minor details. It gives you an idea of the size and color of a possible Bernedoodle doggo. You can find one of the highest qualities of mini and micro mini Bernedoodles with these breeders. Mini and Micro Mini Bernedoodles are the perfect example of lovable companions, doggo with brains, and are very loyal. These Bernedoodle puppies in New Jersey love to hug everyone and are great with children and especially children with disabilities. You would be amazed to know, these poochies are great at service and hence make perfect company for army people. These breeders provide you with the information of both parents so that you know what exactly you are taking home. Moreover, you can avail the pure breed of these doggos by knowing both parents from Best Bernedoodle breeders in New Jersey. Bella Pups Quality and high maintenance, you can expect both from Bella Pups. These breeders bred these Bernedoodle puppies in New Jersey for great companionship. These doggos are not just smart but beautiful, enjoy cuddling, playing with their families, and love snow. This breeder runs the faculty chiefly, focusing on the Bernedoodle puppies. They spend a lot of time breeding their canines to give you healthy offspring with an outstanding temperaments. This breeder is highly professional and satisfies you with minor detail before you take their one of the doodles home. Additionally, you can visit their website for a better understanding of what exactly you would be getting. So, if you are looking for the friendliest mini-puppy, this breeder is among the 5 Best Bernedoodle breeders in New Jersey. An insider of the Doodle Breeder. Unfortunately, since Bernedoodles have risen in popularity over the last decade, you must be cautious of puppy mills and backyard breeders. Here are three important points you should consider when choosing a Bernedoodle breeder in New Jersey: 1. Do your Research: There are several Bernedoodle breeders in New Jersey, and unfortunately, not all of them are reputable. You must know what you are looking for and must not be coerced into buying a dog that is not suitable for you. Contact Bernedoodle breeders: We suggest you can ask a lot of questions of each Bernedoodle breeder you touch. You should be able to see their place and either see pictures of the dogs or meet their owners. If the puppies are less than 8 weeks old, you should be able to meet the mother of the litter. Reputable breeders will gladly answer any questions you have and should have questions for you in return! Check medical history: Whenever you buy a Bernedoodle puppy in New Jersey you should check the medical history of puppies and both the parents. Most respectable Bernedoodle breeders in New Jersey will provide you a health guarantee. They will normally provide you with a one or two-year health warranty against all inherited disorders. Furthermore, some of the trustworthy breeders will give you lifetime support if you have any concerns. As we know that, the Bernedoodle is a mixed breed, you will find a major difference in its size, nature, and colours. As a result, you should pick this dog very carefully. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in New Jersey, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in New Jersey? Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in New Jersey I hope you liked this post, and now you know all the reputable Bernedoodle breeders who live in New Jersey. So share this post with your friends family who lives in New Jersey and finding the Bernedoodle breeder. So this post is really helpful for those who want to find a Bernedoodle breeders in New Jersey. Share this post on all social media platforms and support Dog Breeds Expert for more articles. Other Bernedoodle Breeders. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Hammonton New Jersey and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

Things to do with your English Bulldog Michigan is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Michigan that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Michigan that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Michigan, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Michigan, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Michigan, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Michigan, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Michigan has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Michigan. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Michigan is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Michigan? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. History: Transferred from another shelterIdeal Home: Any home! Apartments okay! Fence Requirements: None. We do our best to provide information that will help determine if the animal might be a good fit for you. Please note that behaviors may change in a home environment. We also ask our applicants to assume that any animal they adopt from us will need to be potty-trained and learn house manners, although this is not always the case. In most cases, the listed breeds are also a best guess. Our online animal bios are designed to provide as much information as possible and answer some anticipated questions. We do not have the resources to respond to emails with more specific questions. We are receiving an unusually high number of applications at this time! Applications are reviewed as they are received, but we do not select adopters on a first-come basis. Our job is to ensure each pet is placed into the best fit home for them and that adopters are paired with an animal that is a good fit for their lifestyle. Please do not send inquiries about a specific animal's availability as this can change quickly over the course of the day. The fastest way to get a response is to simply submit an application! We will do our best to notify you by email if the pet s you are interested in are no longer available. New animals are posted daily, so please let us know if another furry friend peak your interest there is no need to fill out a second application! Every question must be answered, and it must be signed. This must be in a. If you are unable to send in this format, please be prepared to provide this documentation in another way prior to adoption. It could take up to a couple of weeks for you to receive a final disposition on your application so there is no need to check on the status. The entire household, including current dogs, must be present for the appointment. Note: Please do not bring your dogs if you are meeting cats! The introductions will take place outside in our parking lot or in our cat room if you're meeting cats. Thank you for your understanding. Regardless of whether you are interested in purchasing French bulldog puppies, Cockapoo puppies, Havanese puppies or Coton puppies in Detroit MI, discover what sets each breed apart below! French Bulldog Puppies for Sale From their adorable, wrinkled faces and bat-like ears to their loyal nature, there are so many great traits that make French bulldog puppies so popular. Due to their big personalities and high energy levels, training your Frenchie will require a bit of patience at first. However, they are also very intelligent and will learn quickly with dedication from their owner. Due to their small size, French bulldog puppies do not need an extreme amount of exercise to remain healthy, making them ideal for those without a yard or who live in a small home or apartment. Millions of Americans have fallen in love with this breed thanks to their adorable appearance and big personality. Cockapoos will warm right up to you when you bring them home, and due to their intelligence, they will prove to be fairly easy to train. They will also show you lots of love and affection and make themselves right at home on your lap whenever they can. Havanese Puppies Available Havanese puppies have curled-up tails and beautiful, silky coats that make them stand out. These small puppies will grow to roughly pounds, which means that their exercise needs are pretty manageable and they would be ideal for homes with small children. Havanese puppies are also very happy and outgoing, and prefer to be with their owners as much as possible. These charming pups are just balls of silky, white fur that have an immense amount of love to give. If you want to learn more about these particular breeds and our puppies for sale in Michigan, get in touch with Family Puppies by calling today. Quick Contact.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. When his previous owner recently died, this delightful 8 year young Puggle boy was relinquished to our shelter in order to find him a forever loving home. This cutie is a happy, social dog who will never fail to bring a smile to your face! He loves to cuddle with you, and really enjoys going for walks with his curly tail wagging! He does well with other dogs, but does not care for the company of cats or young children. DIAGO is looking forward to the red carpet treatment at your house. He is quiet, charming, and a true soft soul. Do not let this prince of a guy get away! We Thank You for your interest in the animals in our shelter, and hope you will visit with us very soon! Our shelter is happy to work with responsible rescues! We are conveniently located just 45 minutes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We will gladly provide you with easy directions to our facility upon request. September 14, , pm Small right facing arrow Search for a French Bulldog puppy or dog Use the search tool below to browse adoptable French Bulldog puppies and adults French Bulldog in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Phone lines open everyday from 8. We're a happy, friendly team and would love you to come and visit us at the centre to see our fantastic facilities and all the waggy tails of our doggy guests. We can care for up to 55 dogs in our 37 kennels, and we make sure our residents get plenty of enrichment in our training barn, and walking areas. We also have a garden with a log cabin, and an on-site vet room. By public transport: Nearest train station is West Calder , which is a short five-minute drive away. There are no bus links from the station to the rehoming centre but taxis operate at a very reduced rate within two miles of the centre. Call to book a taxi. The centre is also 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. By road: Parking available on site. Local supporter relations If you are interested in donating In Memory, have questions about our Canine Care Card service, leaving a Legacy or if you would like to book a guest speaker for your Community Group, then please get in touch with your local Supporter Relations Officer Danielle McNally , or call on .Supporting us Donate your pre-loved items. Signage outside will make it clear where you can drop off your donations. We rely on your kind support to continue our vital work, please donate today. German Shepherds are known to be a one man dog and will tend to build a very strong bond with one person. They are not an easy dog and definitely not for everybody. They are very intelligent and active dogs and as well as appropriate exercise need to be kept busy learning, playing and working. They are not a dog that likes to be left home alone for hours on end, they love company and when you get a Shepherd you will never go to the toilet alone again!! I can guarantee once you get a Shepherd you will fall in love with them and more than likely get another. I offer the following German Shepherd training packages that are tailored to the breed specific traits. I use positive training methods and will never ever judge you as I have more than likely experienced the same problems with my dog or a dog I have trained. The sessions take place in your home where your puppy will be relaxed and happy. Although we can go outdoors as and when we need to. We will discuss your training needs and put a plan together to set you of on the right paw. We cover all aspects of basic training including, toilet training, correct socialisation, crate training, mouthing, basic obedience, loose lead walking, recall. We will also show you some tricks and how to use enrichment to keep your dog mentally stimulated and most important how to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. I take all of the breed specific traits into consideration and also discuss health and training issues that every Shepherd owner needs to understand. The initial consultation is carried out at your home where the dog is relaxed and comfortable in his own environment. We shall discuss the questionnaire and the training and behaviour that are causing concern. We shall discuss some control and management strategies and also talk about how to increase the bond with your dog using enrichment. I shall prepare a training plan within 72 hours of our consultation. I will follow up with a telephone call after days and shall be available for email support for 2 weeks. We can discuss what support programme would be most suited to you based on our initial consultation. All new clients must agree to commit to following the advice given and one of training sessions rarely work for your dog in the long term. Border collies for sale scotland. Login; Join for Nice border collie Border collies for sale scotland. Login; Join for Nice border collie for sale 6 weeks old ready at .Hemel Hempstead For Sale by April. Then Mum Amber and dad Riley. Chipped ,1st vaccination and vet checked. Astra Sheepdog Centre is a Licensed Breeder. Born 30th May. Our Dog Breeder directory is the ultimate source of listings for breeders in the United Kingdom. A lovely litter of 7 border collies with a variation of colour. She will need a home with at least one playful young dog, but to be honest a houseful of other dogs she can play with would be her dream. Beautiful Border collie Bulldog mix puppies. Ullapool, Highland. Border collie pups for sale. Find Near Postcode Login to search location Wanted 0. Mum is from working lines and father is kc registered from Bannestane lines, further info available. Well bred puppies suitable for working, agility or active homes. Age: 3 months Ready to leave: Now. We occasionally have puppies and young dogs available for adoption. Available to go to their forever homes from the 16th August aged 8 weeks. Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. ID verified. We use several forms of puppy enrichment to prepare our farm ty Border Collie. Messages Post Ad. Running information, advice and links to … Border Collie puppies for sale Rough Coat 8 in all. This advert is located in and around Llanfyllin, Powys. Marathons, Runs and Walks in Scotland and England to enter and raise funds. Rothbury, Northumberland 95 miles away. All black and white medium to long hair. They ll be dewormed and have … more. Disclaimer: The Kennel Club makes no warranty as to the quality or fitness of any puppies offered for sale. For sale is a large leanardo collection border collie dog and is in excellent condition model. They could be found on farms herding sheep and are intelligent dogs. Inverness, Highland. Occasionally we have an experienced flock or trials dog available. Puppies Border Collie for sale. Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. We will also list puppies here when they are available. First vac and microchip and vet checked. Yvonne M. Original boxes and certificates and comes with plate hooos already attached that were bought separately from items. Tracy b. Hide Sold .Border Collie. Used to children. Hawick, Scottish Borders. Age: 9 weeksReady to leave: Now. The classic border collie has a long haired coat with black and white markings. Border Collie puppies for sale. Dad is playful and obedient. Leanardo collection large border collie. Border Collie Age: 13 weeks 2 male. Inoculated, Dewormed and Micro Chip implanted. Puppies have been chipped. Photos are of the female Charlene, then photos are of the boy Lester Sitty. Our 25 acre property provides facilities that include secure indoor breeding and sleeping pens, outdoor puppy run and ample space for our dogs to run, play and be stimulated with chooks and horses that also reside at Rockhaven Farm. Find Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful information. All puppies have been fully socialised with children and adults they are so loving and adore a cuddle! Both mum and dad can be see with the puppies, mum and dad Can you give our Border Collie Rescue dog their forever home? Find out more, search available dogs and apply to rehome today. Ontario: Nova Scotia: assetkennels bordacollie. Whiterose Sheep Dogs. We have 5 beautiful examples of the border collie breed for sale. Ready to leave: Now. If you are looking for puppies for sale or particular stud dog in your area you can Border Collie mostly merle pups rough coat and very beautiful. If using find a puppy, once the litter you are looking for appears, click on the breed name to find out more about them. Parents on the premises of a working horse farm in East Haddam, CT. They can be seen with their mother and father, both working sheep dogs on our family farm. Beach bum Rebel Is sadly available for re-homing as things are not working out how we hoped. Age: 3 monthsReady to leave: Now. There are 3 Merle bitches left that will be ready to leave on the 04th of September .My passion and enthusiasm for the breed has seen me achieve success representing Scotland at both the International and World Sheepdog Trials. Border Collie puppies. Over time, certain kinds … Border collie puppies. Will be microchipped. Champion bloodlines from Wales, Scotland and England. Schnoodles 19 Scottish … Freeads. Parents can be seen. Find you best friend within the thousand breeds available on Gumtree: Labradors, Cockers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and many more. Border Collie Puppies for Sale. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Isds registered collie pup looking for working or active home, 1 dog pup left Pups Mum and Dad are excellent working dogs, pups grandsire is current international supreme …. Two beautiful working border collie pups for sale. I have worked with working Border Collies since .Puppies were born on the 17th of April .Border collie pups. Currently 5 weeks old and will be ready to go at 10 weeks. This is the price you can expect to budget for a Border Collie with papers but without breeding rights nor show quality. We cannot accept responsibility for any transaction Border Collie puppies for sale Rough Coat 8 in all. This page features working Border Collie stock dogs, which are variable in ability and stage of training and are currently offered for sale. Login; Join for 19 Scottish Terriers 20 Sealyham Terriers 3 Shar Peis 9 week old stunning border collie lady for sale, chipped and injected and ready to go. Two boys, one mainly black, three girls one mainly black. Selkirk, Scottish Borders. Age: 9 weeks. Our lovely Border Collie has had 7 perfect pups - 5 boys and 2 girls. Age: 4 weeks. A very warm welcome to Protecting Preloved Border Collies website, thank you for dropping by. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. I have purebred registered Border Collie Puppies for sale. Look here to find a Border Collie breeder who may have puppies for sale or a male dog available for stud service close to you. Because of this, these pups are highly trainable. Age: 8 weeksReady to … Border Collie Puppies - has been rescued! We wish Border Collie Puppies all the best with their new owners. Hungary Kiskoros, HU. Pets Pets. Keith, Moray. This dog breed also shows up in several dog movies and held a feature role in the movie Babe. Litter of 7 border collie pups for sale 3 now reserved 2 bitches and 2 dogs remaining Mum is our farm dog Dad is a working dog All pups will be microchipped, health checked and have their 1st vaccinations before leaving from the 1st July. View more. Dame is from working stock and has been the perfect pet and an amazing mum! Border Collies can be found in a variety of different styles. We are a growing network of Border Collie lovers. More search options Border Collie Puppies - has been rescued! Vets have alternative medications they can use for MDR1 effected dogs. Banham Sheep Dogs is run from a family farm in the North Downs, where Border Collie sheep dogs are used every day for work with livestock. MDR1 is another genetic disease that is fairly common in Scotch Collie puppies. They are medium-sized dogs that can grow up to 22 inches. For Sale. Two beautiful Border Collie puppies for sale. Wormed and ready to go. Puppy Border Collie for sale. Incorporating owners, rescues, fosterers and behaviorists, we offer a safety net for Collies that are advertised free on websites such as Preloved, Gumtree and Freeads. We have one male and two females available from our homebred litter. The Border Collie is an athletic breed and is known as a working dog. Vet checked all vaccinations, micro. Over 4 weeks ago on Advertigo. Danbury Mint Border Collie Plates. Mother and Father can be seen, as well as Granny. The breed originated on the border between Scotland and England and over a period of many years, was selected for its ability to go out and retrieve livestock. Will be seen with mum. We are searching for forever homes for our puppies! Ready to leave on .They originate from the Anglo-Scottish border. Dads a springer, mum's a border collie. About Border Collie. Border Collie puppies for sale Rough Coat 8 in all. Ready to leave: in 3 weeks. Age: 8 weeksReady to leave: in 9 weeks. Loanhead 4. I made history in when I … Freeads. This advert is located in and around Morpeth, Northumberland. Ready to leave in 2 days. Running with Dogs. Order By. Use the filters below to find a puppy or find a rescue near you. Search Post ad. Ready to go 28th July. Rebel will need a cat and child free home. Both easily trained with friendly natures. Sweet, intelligent and easy to train. Find Border Collie puppies for sale. Reset Filters For Sale. Alconbury, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4. Age: 3 weeks Ready to leave: 2nd September. Running information, advice and links to help you and your dog get fitter, plus. Ready to leave: in 4 weeks. Sire is Crufts qualified, has won 1st at Championship Shows a. They were born December and will be ready to go the end of February. Border collie puppies bred, mum can be seen, dad was a stud of, well bred working border collie. Happy and healthy border collie puppies for sale. Registered with SA Sheepdog Association. A DNA test can check for this issue. Father is KCreg dna tested and hip and eye scored. Well handled and nice natures. Collie Pups For Sale. Dogs For Sale. Border collie pup. Give a pet a good home in Moray on Gumtree. For information on getting fit and exercising for, and with, your dog. Please see the Puppies page for more information. Five adorable border collie pups for sale. Post Ad. Most breeder allow their puppies to go at 8 weeks but here Beautiful Border Collie Puppies for sale. Border Collie Rescue On Line. Border Collies generally live for years on average. Beautiful pups. Hailey O. Pure biewer colourful Yorkshire terrier fully vaccinated, licensed. All black and white with distinct markings. Their prices reflect the age, ability and potential of each dog. Girl and boy born on .Descended from expert herding dogs, Border Collies still retain those hardworking, energetic instincts. Forfar Litter size 4 Bitch 4 Dog Born 14 weeks, 0 days ago. Knightswood, Glasgow. Please use the link below or menu above to search for them. From working parents. Find your perfect rescue pet in Scotland. What would you like to do? I'm thinking of getting a Border Collie, what do I need to know? I have a Border Collie I need to re-home, how do I go about it? Age: 7 weeksReady to leave: in 1 week. Beith, North Ayrshire Border collie pups. Quality working sheepdogs are expensive, so to help you keep your expenses down, and still afford a top quality sheepdog, we offer some solutions. Age: 6 weeksReady to leave: in 2 weeks. Here we have 7 now 2 border puppies for sale, all boys, from a litter of 9. We are licensed breeders and a lot of work has been done on making sure you. Asia Pacific. Age: 5 weeks. Mum is BC registered Dad is from a farm. Beautiful red and white and Red Tri pedigree border collie pups for sale. Login for more info 1 Border collie puppies - full vaccination, health check, microchip, 5 weeks insurance, worm treatment for sale in Cambridgeshire. Border Collie Puppies for sale. Parents good workers on farm. Born 7th February and ready for new home by 4th April .This advert is located in and around Richmond, North Yorkshire. There are 2 pups still available, 1 boy and 1 girl. Members access. This advert is located in and around Swansea, Powys. This malady renders the dog more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications including ivermectin, a popular de-worming treatment. Breed information, Advice and International contacts. However there are so many other Dog in need. Search by Price. Age: 8 weeksReady to leave: in 7 weeks. They are well socialised Dog two or four wheelchair. Auchencallan Auchencallan Falkirk Stirlingshire. Age: 11 weeksReady to leave: Now. Alva, Clackmannanshire. History: The Border Collie originated in the United Kingdom in the s for use as a herding dog and guard dog, along with a variety of other sheep herding dogs. Age: 11 weeks. All three Border Collies are wonderfully natured, … Stirling. My beautiful border Collie and gorgeous rough Collie have had another litter of gorgeous chunky puppies! Before searching "Border Collie puppies for sale near me", review their average cost below. Border Collie Puppies for Sale in Scotland. All are very affectionate. Intelligent and athletic, the very trainable Border Collie loves to stay busy and play for hours on end. Puppies have been wormed each two weeks from birth on 21st April and are 8 weeks ready to leave. Both parents. Danbury Mint Border Collie Plates for each month of the year. Puppys are 9 weeks old and have been vet checked, m. Pups for sale. Over the years I have bred and trained a number of highly successful sheepdogs both for farming and competition. Rare reds and traditional blacks. Beautiful Border Collie Puppies for sale. Border collie puppies for sale. Born .ABCA registered puppies, born June .Beautiful border collie pups for sale 5 weeks old, mother and father can be seen , born and reared in the family home , full vet check and first jag will be done at 6 weeks old. Age: 9 weeksReady to leave: in 1 week. Border Collies for sale in Florida are eager students and love to face up to Collie puppies pups for sale Scotland. Saving one dog will not change the world, but for that one dog the world will be changed forever. Visit our online store German Shepherd t-shirts, fleeces, badges, mugs, mouse mats, cards and much more. EasyFundraising You can help us raise money for the rescue without even leaving your home. It's easy. Sponsor a GSD You can now sponsor our kennel dogs until they find their forever home. Could you help? Check out our Dogmatic headcollars. Vogrie is booked for Saturday 27th July for our annual dog show. We have to thank a lot of people for supporting our event. Firstly thanks to.The best boy and our rescue Ambassador Ileach has gained his wings and gone.Complete our Adoption Form if you would like to adopt one of the dogs on our site. If you've found yourself in a position where you need help re-homing your German Shepherd please complete our online for and we'll be in touch as soon as possible. Foster Homes Needed If you can offer a warm, loving foster home please get in touch. German Shepherds don't do well in kennels, we would love to have warm foster homes to offer instead of cold concrete kennels. ALL food and expenses will be covered by the rescue. Like to Help? You can help us rescue more dogs like Murphy. Just click the button to send us a donation. All donations gratefully accepted big or small, every penny counts! Please donate now!

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check with local veterinarians' offices, animal shelters, pet supply stores, and other area pet business for referrals to dog rescue organizations in your area. Contact one local dog rescue group for referral to other area groups. Some dog rescue groups work with all dogs, while others are breed-specific. Most rescues groups have established networks with other area rescues. The organization's website also provides links to rescue organizations. Although the majority of dogs looking for new homes through rescue groups are adults, sometimes rescue groups have puppies to place. Most German Shepherds looking for homes through rescue groups do not have papers. If registering your puppy is important, or if you intend to enter it into competitions, you will need its title papers and health records, so a rescued dog may not be right for you. Many dog rescues will require a thorough application process in order to assure that you will be a good fit for the dog. Be prepared to disclose your address and whether you own your home, as well as your employment status and your philosophy when it comes to raising a dog. You will want to make sure that the dog's temperament works well with you and your family. Ask whether you can get the dog checked out by your veterinarian. You will want your vet to check the dog's general health and for serious conditions, such as heart murmurs. Be sure to ask about the dog's health while the rescue has had it and if it is up to date on shots and healthcare. A good rescue should actually offer this information upfront. Get a history of the dog's healthcare up to that point. Has it had its first vaccination, had heart worm treatment, and parasite control? These should have all been done before the age when a puppy is adoptable. While many rescue organizations cannot tell you much about the dogs they place, because the dogs have been rescued off the street or they have been given up anonymously, sometimes they have a bit of information. Get all the information you can about the dog's past so that you can assess their general background and health. Dog rescue organizations are usually run on a shoe-string budget. While they depend mostly on volunteers, they do need funds to transport and care for dogs. Your adoption fee will most likely help to pay for the rescue of other dogs in the future. Final Thoughts How To Buy a German Shepherd When buying a German Shepherd, know what to look for in a reputable breeder, find a breeder specializing in German Shepherds, evaluate the breeder, consider the price and your budget, and choose the sex, type, color, and coat of the German Shepherd puppy. Checklist to buy a GSD 1. Know What To Look For in a Reputable Breeder The German Shepherd is a popular dog breed, and the growing demand for this breed has registered a corresponding growth in the number of breeders. But the increase in the number of breeders has also raised eyebrows about how some dog breeders meet their purpose. So, what should you look for in a German Shepherd breeder? When buying a German Shepherd, look for a breeder with experience and credibility. Check the litter and their living conditions. When researching how to buy a German Shepherd, the first thing to know is there are different types of breeders. While some people breed dogs with the good intention of providing healthy pets to those seeking to own a dog, others breed them with the primary purpose of profit-making and, in some cases, in deplorable conditions. Freedom from discomfort: the dog has a favorable environment for shelter that includes appropriate bedding, favorable temperatures, and extreme light and noise protection. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease: the dog has the required vet visits for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, including recommended vaccinations and tests. Freedom to express normal behavior: the dog has enough space and facilities and can express it through stretching, jumping, running, and playing, and can interact with other dogs as desired. Freedom from fear and distress: the dog is treated in a manner that does not cause psychological stress. This could be done by avoiding overcrowding and providing overall safety. Dogs bred following these five freedoms will have a more enjoyable and successful life once placed in the care of an owner or family. Following these freedoms also distinguishes ethical breeders from unethical ones. As a prospective dog owner, you must acquire all the information that confirms your future pet has been bred following these five freedoms and, thus, by an ethical breeder. But how exactly do you find that breeder? I discuss some of the most reliable ways and others that will need you to do a more thorough search and breeder evaluation. National Kennel Clubs National kennel clubs are a reliable source of information for buying German Shepherds. You can access information on each listed dog regarding their age, sex, weight and height, personality, AKC DNA test number, energy level, shedding, and trainability, among other features and traits. Here, you can access the breed parent club website in this case, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and a breeder referral name where you can get help and information. Kennel clubs are resourceful when looking for a German Shepherd in other countries. In the UK, for example, the Kennel Club operates an Assured Breeder Scheme in which you can find a comprehensive and current list of Kennel Club Assured Breeders and other breeders with pedigree puppies. Only KC-registered puppies are advertised on the platform. So, you will find all the information you need about the particular breed you are interested in. In the US, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America has a Classified Ads section on their website where you can search through breeder and puppy ads to find what you are looking for. Also, the club advises that one of the best ways to find quality German Shepherd Puppies to buy is by contacting the German Shepherd regional breed clubs. The clubs have plenty of training, sporting, and dog show initiatives during the year. Some regional or state clubs provide services for GSD rescue and referral. For example, on the Treasure Coast German Shepherd Dog Club website, you will find information on breeder referral and rescue, and you can contact them by email to send details of your inquiry. Charitable Organizations Charitable organizations that deal with dogs carry out rescue, care, and rehoming services. They are optimal options for finding a German Shepherd when you want to rescue or adopt. There are plenty of German Shepherd charitable organizations that can provide reliable information on buying or adopting a German Shepherd Dog. On the Meet Our Dogs section of their website, you can search through available GSDs to determine if you would be interested in adopting. According to the organization, their adoption fees are extremely low and will not cover half of the costs incurred on the rescued GSDs. Dog Blogs and Websites Outbound links that direct you to GSD breeders or puppies for sale on blogs and websites are also options. As with the Google search, you also need to evaluate the reliability of the linked breeder and the quality of the German Shepherd puppy using the ethical breeder guidelines. Consult Vets, Groomers, Trainers, and Owners Veterinarians, groomers, and trainers are experts in their own right — considering that they interact with German Shepherds on a day-to-day basis. They may also work for breeders and will, therefore, know which ones have high breeding standards. German Shepherd owners who have a positive experience buying their pet from a reliable breeder would also be dependable sources of information on where to buy a GSD. In all cases, ensure that there is no conflict of interest with people advocating for breeders on other factors rather than quality. You should now evaluate the breeder on various breeding issues before buying a German Shepherd. Evaluate The Breeder To make out if a breeder is ethical , observe their environment and question them about the following breeding aspects: Experience in breeding German Shepherds: Enquire if the breeder has been in the breeding career for long or just starting. Those who have been in the breeding practice for a long time will explain their experience with instances of success and give you verifiable examples of people they have sold German Shepherds to. Breeder credibility: It is expected that a credible breeder will be registered with the national kennel club and be a member of local or national breed clubs. Bloodline and dog health: Health conditions and genetic defects are easily passed on through the bloodline. Enquire whether the parents are registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA and if the litter has had its first round of vaccinations seek specific details about the vaccinations. Also, check to see if they have been dewormed. Learn More on How To Choose a German Shepherd Breeder… Choosing a GSD Breeder: HOW TO Breed temperament: Enquire about the typical traits of the breed to find out if the breed will be good for your family context, whether your newly acquired GSD will be good with children or if the breed gets along with other dogs, and if it will do well in an apartment environment among other specifications. If you have done your homework, you will already know the answers to these questions — and so should the breeder! Dog appearance: Ask to see the entire litter and the parents. The general appearance of the German Shepherds should indicate that they are healthy and well-nurtured. The breeding space should not be smelly and unkempt, and the German Shepherds should not be crowded in small kennels. These negatives could be the first indications of a puppy mill. Also, enquire about the possibility of returning the German Shepherd should you be unable to keep him for any reason. While these aspects will give you the necessary information to weigh up the reliability of a breeder, it is expected that an ethical breeder wants the best for the dog they are selling you. They should ask questions to ensure that the dog is in good hands. These questions will single them out as ethical breeders and several other characteristics that show they care about their breed. Characteristics of Ethical German Shepherd Breeders When buying a German Shepherd, an ethical breeder will stand out in the following aspects: They will be knowledgeable about the German Shepherd breed. This will be manifested in their comprehensive knowledge of the breed standard, nutrition, exercise, temperament, and grooming. The ethical breeder will answer questions on any of these aspects precisely and without getting impatient with you. They will not sell you the German Shepherd puppy before they are eight weeks old. Puppies younger than that are still heavily dependent on their mother, and it would be too soon to separate them. Note, however, that the best age to bring home a puppy is at weeks. They will give you references. For example, reliable vets and other people who have bought puppies from them. They will also be ok referring you to other breeders for a comparative experience. They will ask you about your lifestyle and family. They want to ensure that the German Shepherd puppy is going to a loving and caring home. For example, the vaccines and tests that have been done. They will also give you specific details on training, nutrition, and vet care. They will be keen to guarantee the safety of the German Shepherd. By asking you to sign a contract, giving you tips on good care for the dog, promising to call to find out how the puppy is doing, and soliciting you to ask any questions, you might have, even after taking the puppy home. They will give you information to register the German Shepherd with the national kennel club and with other national and local breed clubs. While ethical breeders will stand out in these aspects, unethical breeders will show shortcomings in their care for the breed. Shortcomings of Unethical German Shepherd Breeders The most common representation of unethical dog breeders are those found in what is dubbed as puppy mills in the US or puppy farming in the UK and Australia. But backyard breeders are also considered part of this category of breeders. The breeder will be reluctant to show you their kennels and breeding facilities except for the puppy you are interested in. If breeders show you their kennels, you will notice that the dogs are enclosed in neglected and overcrowded kennels without enough space to sit, sleep, stand, or stretch. The breeder will not ask about you, your lifestyle, your family, or the reason you are interested in a German Shepherd Dog. The litter and their parents will appear malnourished, indicating they have scanty access to healthy food and fresh water. The dams may be continuously bred at the expense of their health. The puppies will be taken away from their mothers early, often before they are six weeks old. The breeder may not have the patience to answer your questions about their breeding standards and the lineage of their dogs. Both puppies and adult dogs may show signs of disordered behavior, such as fear of the breeder, a sign they may be maltreated. Consider The Price and Your Budget When you think of buying a German Shepherd, the buying price is one of the key aspects you should consider. So, how deep will you need to dig into your pocket to bring your GSD puppy home? What is the price of a German Shepherd? Prices are determined by lineage, litter size, color, breeder qualifications, breeding costs, and location. Puppies with the highest prices are from a top pedigree or are show quality. My in-depth article, How Much is a German Shepherd? Instead, if you go by breeder websites from a Google search, you will find a wide range of price differences. Alternatively, if you decide to adopt from rescue centers, you will certainly pay a lot less. These are extremely important because they take care of the specific characteristics you want to find in your new puppy. Show, Working, or Companion German Shepherd? Being clear about why you want to own a German Shepherd is key in making the buying decision. This is also important so you can inform your breeder whether you are looking for a family dog, a competition, a show, or a guard dog. You can learn the differences between working line and show line GSDs in this article. Even though an entire litter will have the same bloodline, knowing the purpose of acquiring a dog will inform your choice to go for ethical breeders keen on issues related to health, temperament, and other traits that would be good to keep in mind when making a purchase. While Male and female German Shepherds are similar in many traits, they are also different in a number of them, which might affect your choice when buying. Consider what you want the dog for and your experience when determining whether to purchase a male or female German Shepherd. If you want a guard dog, go for a male because they are more dominant and aggressive. Please note, these are approximations as individual dogs will vary. Males will portray a masculine build as opposed to the delicate features of the female. Female GSDs will be in heat twice annually. If you do not intend to breed your pet, you should consider spaying her. Female GSDs live longer .These traits may not be vividly pronounced in young puppies, but it is important to bear them in mind. Whether you choose to buy a male or female pup will depend on your circumstances, such as experience, lifestyle, and purpose for the dog. You can check out this article, Male vs. Female German Shepherd. It has loads of info to help you decide which one will be best for you. Read more about the German Shepherd colors here. You may not be able to choose from the entire range of colors, but you know the extent of the variety that you can have. White German Shepherds are stunning-looking dogs, and if you are interested in this unique color, head over to my article all about the White German Shepherd. This is particularly important if you were looking for a show dog, as a white dog is disqualified from showing in many countries, and you will need to check the breed standard for your area. You will also need to decide on the German Shepherd coat and whether you want a standard coat length or the less common long-haired variety. Whatever you choose, German Shepherds are heavy shedders. Ask the breeder for a detailed list, and this will help in picking up the right and pure-bred German Shepherd puppy. Final Thoughts Buying a German Shepherd is a dream that many dog lovers have, but that may be hindered by a lack of information about important buying knowledge. To learn how to buy a German Shepherd, here is a summary of the key points: Consult national kennel clubs and national and regional breeder clubs to identify reliable breeders who are ethical, knowledgeable, and care about their dogs. Before purchasing, weigh up your buying choice on factors such as the sex of your German Shepherd, the coat color, traits, and the reason you are opting for the breed. Consider adopting a rescue dog where you can go to meet the dog and find out about his traits beforehand. Good luck with getting your quality German Shepherd, who I know you will treasure for many years to come! Related Posts You May Like:. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Where to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy There are several things you need to keep in mind when searching for your new German Shepherd puppy. Most importantly, you will want to buy from an ethical breeder. An ethical breeder is someone who is knowledgeable about the breed, active in German Shepherd groups, organized with specific questions and answers and is not associated with a puppy mill, which mass produces puppies for profit with no regard for their health and well-being. You will want to avoid at all costs an unethical person, organization, or place. They will say whatever they think you want to hear in order to convince you to buy from them, even if it is untrue or exaggerated. It may be hard to turn away from a puppy if you have already started dealing with a seller whom you realize is unethical. But keep in mind that any purchase from an unethical seller only encourages that person. Signs of an Ethical Breeder So, what exactly should you look for when you set out to vet a breeder? They try to match your personality: Reputable breeders care that their puppies are placed in the best homes for them. They want you to spay or neuter: Ethical breeders are very careful when they choose two parents to breed a litter. In order to ensure the continued health of the breed, as well as of the puppy itself some otherwise healthy dogs might have genetic traits that make breeding unwise or dangerous , they will ask that you agree to have the puppy neutered or spayed. They ask you to sign a contract: This contract may include a guarantee against health problems, as well as a clause that stipulates you need to notify the breeder if you find yourself unable to care for your dog any longer, among other things. They are lifelong learners: They are knowledgeable about diseases and genetic problems affecting German Shepherds, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. They keep themselves up-to-date on the latest information and treatments. There are also several things an ethical breeder might give you. These may include: Health documents: Many reputable breeders will have screened their puppies for elbow and hip trouble prior to selling. Registration papers: Ethical breeders will have already registered with, or else will provide you with an application to register with, The American Kennel Club. Eating schedule: How much food has the breeder been feeding their puppies? When do they feed the puppies, and what type of food do they use? A trustworthy breeder will be able to provide you with an eating schedule so that you can continue this important routine for your puppy uninterrupted. Signs of an Unethical Breeder On the other hand, an unethical breeder may: Be ignorant: They might know very little about the history of the German Shepherd breed. More importantly, they might be ignorant of ailments and genetic defects common to German Shepherds. They might deny that German Shepherds are prone to any afflictions at all, which is not true. Be uninvolved: Is your breeder a member of any dog clubs or associations? Are they active in any canine sports? Anyone who does not love the dogs they breed or sell should be avoided. Be evasive: Will your breeder let you see the puppies? Be disinterested in you: A reputable breeder will ask you lots of questions before agreeing to any sale see below. They may also be expecting many questions from you. The best thing to do is to weed out such unconscientious people as soon as possible. If you know what to look out for, you might save yourself time and headaches. Be wary of any ads that: Cite American Kennel Club registration as a bonus: Reputable breeders will provide you with AKC papers or an application automatically. There is nothing special about a breeder who touts themself as having AKC-registered pups. That is only what they should have. Anyone who boasts of AKC registration may be trying to prey on ignorant buyers who are impressed by the mention of an official-sounding organization. Extra large! Best to stay away altogether. Tell you that you can meet both of the parents: This one is a little tricky, but worth mentioning. It is unlikely that a breeder will have both the perfect sire and the perfect dam in their own kennels. There might be an understandable explanation, however. If nothing else in the ad alarms you, it might be worth contacting the breeder and asking. If you receive them, move on. How to Find an Ethical Breeder Now you know the signs and what to avoid, but where do you begin to look for the right seller? Start with whom you know: Reaching out to trusted members of your own network is one of the best places to begin. Talk to dog-owning members of your circle to learn how they found their pups and ask if they have any advice. Even if they themselves are not German Shepherd owners, they might have helpful tips or know someone who does. Cold-calling a veterinarian who has not been recommended is not a good idea, but a vet trusted by someone close to you is more likely to be reputable and may know ethical breeders. Visit a dog show: Many conscientious breeders raise German Shepherds who become show dogs. If a dog is a show dog, odds are, its owner takes good care of it. After all, these dogs are being judged as the best-of-the-best. Attending a dog show as an audience member will give you the opportunity to see for yourself how the breeder interacts with their dog. You can get a feel for how they treat their animals before making contact. Filter by state and then scroll until you find one who breeds German Shepherds. Places to Avoid It may go without saying, but Craigslist should not be part of your search. Unfortunately, many puppies listed on the site are part of puppy mills, which you should never, ever support with your money. The same holds true for pet stores. Finally, stay away from any websites that offer to ship you a dog inexpensively. The next step is getting to know this person and their German Shepherds better, so you can take home the perfect pup for you. When you meet a breeder, you will want to ask them: Have You Tested the Puppy? As noted above, many reputable breeders will have screened their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia and should be able to provide you with a report from the OFA, SV, or PennHIP. The only way to know for certain that a puppy is healthy is to have it tested. A puppy will need a few rounds of shots, but it should have had its first round before it goes home with you. A German Shepherd puppy should have specific vaccinations by a certain age. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available. German Shepherds are highly intelligent, loyal and loving. For example, shepherds require consistent mental and physical exercise and prefer not to spend long hours alone. If you travel regularly, a shepherd might not be the best breed for you. Additionally, German shepherd puppies require consistent socialization early on and throughout their lives. This ensures problem behaviors do not have a chance to develop. In other words, buying a German Shepherd requires commitment on the part of the owner. Yet, that commitment pays off in years of loving and loyal companionship. Are you considering adding a German Shepherd to the family? Experienced GS breeders have in-depth knowledge of the breed and are committed to producing top quality pups. Like all purebreds, German shepherds are prone to genetic disorders. Shepherds, for example, are at a high risk for hip dysplasia. Ultimately, choose a breeder that you can trust, that has references and a clean facility, and that has years of experiencing breeding German shepherds. Problems arise when shepherds do not have an outlet for their intelligence. Fortunately, training and regular physical and mental exercise will ensure your GS pup is happy and engaged. Start by having a training plan in place prior to purchasing a German Shepherd puppy. Obedience classes too can be a helpful bonding experience that will keep your puppy engaged and build trust. Additionally, plan to provide regular exercise for your dog. German shepherds love long walks and opportunities to expend pent-up energy. Dog sports and agility classes are one choice for helping your shepherd burn some of that unused energy. Yet, German shepherds do not behave like this. They show loyalty to a particular person but are suspicious or indifferent to strangers. This shyness can develop into aggressive or territorial behaviors if the dog is not properly socialized. Be prepared to introduce your shepherd to different situations, people and other animals as a puppy and continually throughout its life. In fact, some experts recommend introducing your GS puppy to up to new people and 50 different locations within the first 12 weeks of life. A German shepherd that has not been properly socialized may wrongly assume a delivery man or lawn mower is a threat. Yet, that hard work pay offs; shepherd puppies provide years of loving companionship and serve as a loyal and devoted family members. But before you make the leap, make sure you understand the unique needs of the breed. First, choose a reliable German shepherd breeder with a track record of producing top quality dogs. Then, be prepared to provide consistent mental, physical and emotional stimulation throughout its life.

Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 10 min read January 4, 4 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Looking for an exuberant best buddy? The Boxador — a cross between a boxer and Labrador retriever — is a marvelous mutt that has plenty to offer to his family members. What Is A Boxador? These canine companions are sure to love accompanying you on any adventure with a wagging tail following behind them. Most people love life with these enthusiastic and intelligent pups. The Beautiful, Bouncing Boxer These loyal, loving dogs are known for their playful personality and adorable looks. Boxers and most boxer mixes are athletic yet patient pups, who do well with all members of the family, big and small. In fact, boxers are some of the best dogs for babies in the world. Boxers want nothing more than to be around their family members and do well in active households where there is always something to keep them busy. Reaching about 65 to 80 pounds, these muscular pups need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Boxers are also known for holding onto a puppy-like spirit well into adulthood. While this is undoubtedly charming, boxer owners must be ready to put in the work with training. These pups tend to drool and snore quite a bit, though they do not shed heavily. Despite their few shortcomings, these canine clowns are sure to make you laugh and leave a pawprint on your heart. These friendly, outgoing dogs are well-loved due to their people-pleasing attitudes and playful spirits. Labrador retrievers and Lab-mixes usually make amazing companions so long as they get the exercise and mental stimulation they need to keep their tails wagging. These sweet dogs love spending time with their family members and — like boxers — do well with kids and other pets. Labs are medium sized dogs weighing between 55 to 80 pounds. Luckily, these adaptable dogs are fairly intelligent and an easy-to-train dog breed , so long as they earn a treat or two for their efforts. Labrador retrievers were originally developed to help fishermen, and they were also used as bird-hunting dogs tasked with retrieving waterfowl. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines of what you can expect from a Boxador. This outline can help you determine whether or not these designer dogs are the right fit for your family and lifestyle. Size and Shape: Boxadors are medium to large dogs usually weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. These dogs often have a boxer-like frame, but with more bulk like their Labrador retriever parents. Temperament: The energetic Boxador is always ready to play and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family. These pooches are likely to act like permanent puppies and do well around kids as long as they are taught to understand hoe yo interact gently with little ones. The Boxador is a loyal, happy-go-lucky dog that is always ready for his next adventure. That being said, these dogs may need access to a coat throughout the colder months to keep themselves cozy while out on walks. The main coat colors of the Boxador are black, white, brindle, and brown. Occasionally, these pups have white markings along the snout and chest like their boxer parents. Intelligence: The Boxador is wickedly smart though you may not have guessed it based on his sometimes clown-like personality. With the right incentive, these dogs are sure to learn a whole range of tricks as they are eager to please their families. Training Challenges: Luckily, these pups should be fairly easy to train. That being said, these pups will shed and need a brush at least once a week. Your Boxador will love going on regular runs, hikes, or playing an engaging game of fetch or frisbee whenever he can. Ideally, Boxador homes have a large, fenced-in yard where these sweet pooches can get out some of their endless energy. Health: These pups are pretty healthy, especially for larger dogs, and they have an average canine lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they are susceptible to health conditions shared by both parent breeds including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and diabetes. Here is a quick checklist to ensure these are the perfect pups for your family. You have a lively household. These sporty sweethearts want nothing more than to spend as much time as they can with their family members. These smart pups love staying mentally and physically engaged, so regular training sessions are a must. These pups are happy to curl up on the couch and offer lots of hugs and kisses, so long as they meet their exercise needs. You have enough time to entertain these active pups. Boxadors are not highly independent pups. These dogs thrive on action and will need owners who can fulfill that need with ample attention, exercise, and engaging activities like training sessions or using puzzle toys. These patient yet playful pups love spending time with children and adults. As long as their needs are met, these sweet pups are sure to make amazing canine companions. These dogs crave excitement and are happiest when they are with the people they love. The life-of-the-party Boxador needs an owner who understands that these intelligent, active, and social dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation on an everyday basis to feel their best. Tracking down a Boxador buddy can be difficult as it would be with any designer dog. That being said, you can always scour the internet for these furry friends. If you know any Boxador owners, you could ask them for their breeder or if they know of any upcoming litters. You could even message Boxador owners via social media for insight. Image from GreatDogSite. If you choose to adopt a Boxador from a rescue or shelter a great idea , make sure you spend adequate time getting to know your new furry buddy to get a sense of their personality. Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Boxador Are you still deciding whether or not the Boxador is the best buddy of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mutts to take into consideration. Dalmador: This Labrador retriever and Dalmation mix is known for his friendly, rambunctious personality. These spotted sweeties love spending time with other dogs, kids, and other family members though they can be protective around strangers. Briard: This ancient herding dog is loyal, hardworking, and fiercely intelligent. These confident canines are great with kids and staying active. Beagador: The comical beagador is a cross between a beagle and Labrador retriever. These playful pups are super sweet and intelligent, though they may have a stubborn streak that will require some patience. Golden Boxer: This boxer and golden retriever mix is sure to steal your heart with his adorable looks and eternal devotion to his family. These smart pups make excellent watch dogs and love spending time outdoors. These athletic dogs love to stay busy and need an owner who can provide firm and consistent training. The Catahoula leopard dog is fiercely loyal to his loved ones. Bullador: This Labrador and English bulldog mix creates an active, loving canine companion. The bullador loves meeting new people and playing whenever possible. Boweimar: The boweimar is a cross between a boxer and Weimaraner. These energetic, loving family dogs need plenty of exercise and attention to keep their tails wagging. These playful pups make amazing furry friends so long as their needs are properly met. Do you have one of these silly sweethearts at home? Does he show more of his boxer or Labrador retriever side? Like it? Share it! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Medium to large in size and full of life, the boxer Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with active people and families with children. Developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred boxer, this mix has a lot to offer to the right home. If you are looking for a devoted, outgoing, and smart canine companion, the boxerlab is a great choice! Energetic and playful, these dogs prefer an active lifestyle and need regular exercise to stay happy and thrive. A spacious home with a fenced backyard is ideal for this mix, but not a requirement. If you are an outdoorsy person and can keep your pooch exercised, the boxerlab will make a great apartment dweller. When left alone a lot, this mix is prone to separation anxiety and might become bored and destructive. Whether you are looking for a canine playmate for your kids or an exercise partner, the laboxer might just be the perfect dog for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed. Boxer Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs between 50 and pounds Coat — Short shiny coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Energetic, eager to please, friendly, devoted Trainable — Very trainable, but might be stubborn at times Activity — Very active needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day Best For — Active people, families with children, homes with outdoor space What Is A Boxador? The boxador dog is a crossbreed developed by mixing a purebred boxer and a purebred Labrador retriever. Although both parent breeds are officially recognized by the AKC, the boxer Lab mix has the status of a designer breed. Boxadors have several different names and are also known as laboxers, boxerlabs, and boxerdors. While some boxerlabs take more after one parent than the other, others are a perfect blend of both parent breeds. Generally speaking, most inherit a boxer-like frame but are sizably built like their Labrador retriever parents. Although their appearance is unpredictable, there are a few traits you can expect to see when it comes to size, coat, and color. Size Being a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer, boxerlabs tend to be medium to large size dogs. Most are between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 50 to pounds when fully grown. And males tend to be larger than females. Color The Labrador retriever comes in three colors — yellow, chocolate , and black. On the other hand, the boxer also comes in three different colors — white, fawn, and brindle. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Lab boxer mix can come in many different coat colors. The most commonly seen colors in this mix are brown, black, brindle, and white. Coat While a Lab has a short, double water-resistant coat, the boxer is a short-haired breed with a smooth and silky single coat. Most laboxers inherit the short, silky, and smooth coat of their boxer parents; however, some can have a denser coat of a Labrador. Since your boxerlab will inherit character traits from both its parent breeds, you should meet both the Lab and the boxer parents. Since both boxers and Labrador retrievers are friendly, playful, loving, and devoted companions, chances are that their mix will be too. Although boxer Labs can act as either of their parent breeds, they are generally extremely playful and energetic. Depending on how much your mix takes after its boxer parent, they might act goofy and cheerful most of the time. Boxerlabs form strong bonds with their people and do best in large families that have the time and energy to interact and play with them several times during the day. People-oriented and loving, this mix craves companionship and tends to develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot. If they are forced to stay home alone while you are at work, boxerlabs can easily become bored and destructive. Activity Level As an offspring of two very energetic working breeds, the laboxer is a very active dog with high exercise needs. Being such an active and athletic dog, your mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day in addition to two walks. Activities such as running, hiking, swimming, or agility are all great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in excellent shape. Since boxerlabs love to play, games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, hide and seek, and tug-of-war are ideal ways to interact with your pooch and keep them entertained and exercised at the same time. Having a securely fenced backyard can be a big bonus when owning this mix. This way, you can keep your laboxer exercised and in great shape without leaving the comforts of your home. This mix craves companionship and is happiest when involved in all family activities. But, besides love and affection, you should also pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, the lab boxer mix needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. In addition to two regular daily walks, you should take your dog for a run, hike, or swim to burn excess energy and stay in good shape. Fun-loving, playful, and goofy, this mix loves games and will enjoy having a variety of interactive dog toys that will stimulate their curious mind. Games such as fetch or hide and seek are also a form of exercise that will also keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. Intellectual Stimulation In addition to being highly energetic, laboxers are also intelligent dogs that can easily become bored without mental stimulation. If left to their own devices without interactive toys, your mix will chew and rifle through your belongings just to have some fun. And when you are at home, interact and play with your pooch as much as you can to stave off boredom and encourage good behavior. Companionship True to their parent breeds, boxadors are outgoing, people-loving, and easy-going dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families. Bred to be loving companions, laboxers are delighted when they are involved in all family activities and are best suited for large families. This mix craves affection and company and can easily develop separation anxiety and other behavioral problems if left at home alone a lot. Ideally, a boxador dog should live in a large family where they will have company at all times. Grooming Most boxerlabs have short glossy coats that are easy to keep clean and are a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Brushing your pooch once or twice a week is enough to remove loose hair and dander and keep their coat clean. In addition to regular brushing, you will also need to bathe your dog once every two months or as needed. Diet An ideal diet for a Lab boxer mix should be formulated for medium to large-sized breeds with high energy. Make sure the food you are feeding to your pooch is rich in protein and reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals. Like their Labrador retriever parents, this mix has a tendency to gain weight easily and can become obese in no time. To prevent weight gain and all health problems associated with it, feed your dog two times a day and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Known Health Problems The boxerlab is considered a healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some of the same health problems that boxers and Labrador retrievers face. The most common health issues seen in this designer breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both boxers and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so boxerlabs can develop it too. Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Itching is the most common symptom associated with allergies. However, some dogs also exhibit respiratory problems and might cough, sneeze, wheeze, or have a runny discharge from their eyes or nose. Hypothyroidism: This is a relatively common endocrine problem in dogs caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism usually experience symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, and changes to the skin and coat. Life Expectancy The Labrador boxer mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, when cared for properly and taken to regular veterinary check ups, this mix can live longer. Highly intelligent and eager to please, most laboxers are fairly easy to house train, and learn basic obedience. Boxerlabs, like all other dogs, react the best to positive reinforcement training techniques and reward-based training. The idea behind this approach is to reward good behavior using treats or praise and to ignore bad behavior. This type of training has been proven to give the best results and is highly effective even if you are dealing with an extremely willful dog. Besides training, laboxers can also benefit from early socialization and should be exposed to many different people, situations, sounds, and sights from a young age. Early socialization can help your laboxer puppy get used to other people and pets and grow into a friendly and well-rounded dog. Who Should Own A Boxador? Bred to be a loyal and devoted companion, the Lab boxer mix is best suited for active people and families with children. This friendly mix craves companionship and is best suited for large homes and families who can spend time and play with their dog every day. Buying A Boxer Lab Mix Puppy Spend some time researching reputable Lab boxer mix breeders before you decide to welcome a laboxer puppy into your home. Since this is a fairly new designer breed, be prepared to spend more time researching and tracking down a reputable breeder. Once you locate a breeder you like, schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and the mother and to inspect the facilities they are kept in. If by any chance the breeder refuses to show you the conditions the puppies are kept in, walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will also be able to provide health certificates for both parents and all puppies. However, you may end up paying more, depending on the breeder, your location, lineage, and gender. History Of The Breeds Boxer Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium to a large-size working dog breed that was used as a guard dog. Although they might seem intimidating, boxers are goofy and mischievous canines that make great family companions. Highly energetic, easy to groom, and loving, the boxer is a great choice if you are looking for a loyal family pet that can also double as a guard dog. Easy to train, friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Labs make great family pets and companions to people of all ages including children. Due to their amazing temperament and high trainability, Labrador retrievers are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities and make great guide dogs. Boxerlabs make amazing pets for active people or large families with children. This loyal, energetic, playful, and friendly mix forms strong bonds with its people and likes to be involved in all family activities. If you are active and have enough time to interact and play with your dog every day, the Lab boxer mix will be a great pet. Are Boxer Labs aggressive? However, they form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally suspicious of strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want your mix to grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog. Conclusion Medium to large in size and highly energetic, the boxer Lab mix is a fairly new designer breed on the block. Amiable and devoted to their people, this pooch forms strong bonds with its owners and prefers to be involved in all family activities. If so, tell us more about your pooch in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale.

Black and fawn are the two official Pug colors recognized by the AKC. But you can find your Pug in a few other uncommon colors and patterns such as the Panda, Sable, and Brindle. Read about all the other interesting details on Pug coat colors and patterns in the rest of the article. Variations of the merle are defined by heterozygosity a pair of Merle and non-merle, Mm and homozygosity a pair of two merles, MM. Like other merle dogs, merle Pugs have irregular patches of diluted skin pigment against a background of solid black patches as well as blue eyes. Brindle Image from Instagram: oliviathebrindlepug Brindle is another of the rare coat patterns in Pugs that is caused by a recessive K locus allele. A brindle Pug receives a pair of the brindle allele from each parent. The typical presentation of the brindle pattern is black stripes against shades of red as seen on the brindle Pug image above. But the background color may vary depending on gene interaction and present other colors such as tan, silver, liver, and even blue. This interaction between genes can restrict the agouti expression resulting in rare Pug coats like the black and fawn sable which carries the recessive black gene. Apricot Sable Image from Instagram: locathepug The Sable color in dogs is a coat pattern resulting from one of the four alleles in the agouti gene. Sable dog coats present in black-tipped hairs on a base of silver, gray, tan, or yellow. Sable Pugs have black-tipped hairs on a fawn base. The eyes, nose, muzzle, and ears retain the usual dark color as most Pugs. A panda Pug can have more white or more black color on their coat. They also have a black patch around the eye, just like the panda. Breeders will often label panda Pugs as unique and sell them for a higher price, just as happens with other rare Pug colors, including the albino. Silver Fawn Image from Instagram: macaulayjol Silver fawn is a variant of the fawn and is often categorized as a fawn. This coat color is an official Pug color for the Canadian kennel club. As with the silver color, silver fawn Pugs are often described and registered as a fawn. You will notice a Silver Pug by its grayish-dark shiny color. But, because they are not black, some owners will describe the silver Pugs as a fawn and some kennel clubs will register them as such or as an alternate color. Brown Image from Instagram: aggiethechocolatepug In the science of dog coats, the brown color is caused by the brown B locus which is also responsible for the chocolate and liver colors. The B locus can have a dominant B allele or a recessive b allele. A pair of bb alleles dilutes the basic black pigment to cause a brown coat. The brown Pug coat is hard to come by. Black and tan Pugs have a majorly black coat on most of their body with tan patterns on the tail, ears, head, chest, and legs. A distinctive pair of tan spots may appear over the eyes. White Image from Instagram: rescueriggs The all-white Pug is among the rarest coat colors of the Pug. It should not be confused with the albino, which may resemble the white in fur color but lacks the black pigmentation on the nose and eyes. Like all other unofficial Pug colors, white Pugs are not considered purebred and will not be allowed on the show ring, even if they are registered by a kennel club. Albino Image from Instagram: chicomarupug Albinism is generally rare in dogs. It results from the absence of the genes that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and fur color. Dogs with two copies of recessive genes are more predisposed to both albinism and other health issues. An albino Pug lacks skin pigment, what most people describe as pink eyes and nose. Cream Image from Instagram: mustpugs A cream dog coat color is neither fawn nor white. Cream Pugs carry this pale color throughout their body. But they have little or more of the black color around their eyes, ears, and muzzle, which is a differentiating feature between the cream and the albino Pug. Because the cream color tends towards the fawn or white, cream Pug owners often categorize them as fawn white. But cream Pugs lack the yellowish-tan of the fawn and the sheen of a pure white Pug. Even though not an official color of the AKC, the UK kennel club lists apricot among its 4 official colors of the Pug together with silver, fawn, and black. Apricot is also the third most common Pug color after fawn and black. Also, .Fawn Pugs will have a light yellowish-tan but can also tend towards shades of pale-tan or dark dear-red. Black Image from Roverlund Black is the second most common coat color in Pugs. Of the 1, Pugs involved in a UK study, .It is one of the official colors of purebred Pugs recognized by the AKC and other national kennel clubs. Black Pugs have a solid color throughout their body, giving their smooth, soft, and short coat a glossy look. Black also distinguishes most of the other Pugs by the markings around the eyes, nose, and muzzle, except for the albino and brown color. Even though most of us assume that a dog with papers registered by a kennel club is a purebred dog that is not always the case. What Color Pug Is Better? Dust and dirt are harder to spot on black fur and this retains the aesthetics of the pug for a longer period of time as compared to one with a lighter fur color. Besides, it is said that most black Pugs have a single coat and shed less than double coat Pugs. Final Thoughts The Ideal Pug Owner Before jumping straight into the different Pug dog colors, let's look at this toy breed in more detail and see if you would be the right fit. As mentioned before, this is such a dainty breed; they're perfect for an apartment. If you know an older person who wants company, they're even better suited! Unlike some dogs, most Pugs only require one hour of exercise daily. This can be achieved through play or a walk. Their playful personality makes them great entertainment for kids, and they are highly affectionate. If you're the type of person who loves to kick back and watch Netflix, then a pug will easily climb into your lap for a cuddle. They do have some comical moments and sleep a lot when they get older, being relatively low maintenance. However, their coat sheds regularly and requires frequent grooming every 6 weeks. So, if you suffer from allergies, especially dog hairs, the Pug breed may not be the best to have in your home. They also state the unrecognized clubs for competitions also. All The Pug Colors Many more Pug colors exist in addition to the ones recognized by the kennel clubs, which are: Black Black pugs have a dark rich coat that is solid in color. They also have a black mask, ears, and nose also. Sometimes there may be small white markings that occur on their chest, but this does not always happen. When a black Pug ages, it may be prone to having gray hairs on its face or body. For a Pug to have a black coat, only one of its parents must carry the black gene. Unlike some genes, black is the most dominant gene and overpowers other colors. However, black Pugs are the second most popular coat type, first is fawn. Fawn Out of all the Pug colors, fawn is the most common. To describe this color, it closely resembles a lightly toasted marshmallow or a milky coffee. A fawn Pug is not always solid; there can be slight variances. Sometimes fawn Pugs can have a stripe of hairs that are black on their tips, running down the back that break away the fawn color. This is because Fawn pugs can have coat color temperatures ranging from light to medium. The major difference between an Apricot Pug and a fawn Pug is the orange in their coats. Often they will have richer orange hues that are deeper than the ones seen in a fawn coat. This color contains a shiny gray sheen on the coat and is also the lightest coat color for a Pug. Many kennel clubs do not recognize the silver fawn Pug, so they may request the Pug to be registered under fawn. White A post shared by Truffle the White Pug trufflethewhitepug In extremely rare situations, you may come across a white Pug. If you do find this, then the Pug is most likely to be an Albino. They will have a light pink nose, paws, lips, and ears alongside their coat. Their coat hair will look in between white and cream. On the contrary, white Pugs may also exist due to a genetic mutation called Leucism, making the melanin in their DNA difficult to form. These colors tend to be black, ranging to grey, and are often seen in other dog breeds like the American Bull Dog, Boxer, and Bull Terrier. Compared to other Pug colors, this coat is not accepted and is often heavily disqualified in the show ring. Like a Panda, they have a smooth black and white coat. This coat color is believed to be created by a Pekingnese and a Pug. However, this coat color is rare, and many breeders will charge extremely high prices for them. Merle A post shared by Rebecca Schmidt happypug. They also have patches of blueish grey and blue in the coat. As opposed to coat color, merle is more like a pattern seen in the coat. Often Merle Pugs are not purebred and are associated with many health problems like hearing impairments, hip dysplasia, skin infections, vision impairments, and risk of skin cancer. Breeds The link has been copied! Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. Their small size, affectionate nature, and adorable looks make them the perfect companion for many people. Pugs are adorable small dogs with wrinkly faces, short legs, and curly tails. They are known for their charming personality, playful nature, and loyalty. One of the most interesting things about pugs is the variety of colors that they come in. In this article, we will explore the different pug colors, what they mean, and how to choose the perfect pug color for you. The History of Pug Colors The history of pug colors is a fascinating one. Originally, pugs were bred in China, where they were known as "lo-sze. When pugs were brought to Europe in the 16th century, breeders began to experiment with different colors. Today, pugs come in a wide range of colors, including fawn, black, silver, apricot, and more. Understanding Pug Coat Colors Pug coat colors can be divided into three categories: solid, brindle, and pied. Solid colors are the most common and include fawn, black, silver, apricot, and cream. Brindle pugs have a mix of black and fawn hairs, giving them a unique striped appearance. Pied pugs have a white coat with patches of another color, such as fawn or black. Before we dive into the specific colors of pugs, it's important to understand how coat color works in dogs. Pugs, like many other breeds, have a set of genes that determine their coat color. These genes control the amount and type of pigments produced by the hair follicles. Depending on the combination of these genes, a pug can have a solid color, a combination of colors, or even a pattern. Choosing the Perfect Pug Color for You Choosing the perfect pug color is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors. Some people prefer the classic look of a fawn or black pug, while others are drawn to the unique appearance of a brindle or pied pug. It's important to remember that pug color doesn't affect their personality or behavior, so choose the color that you find most appealing. We described some of the most popular Pug colors that help you to understand and choose the perfect Pug Color for You. Fawn Pugs Fawn pugs are a classic and beloved variation of the pug breed, characterized by their warm, golden coat. Their friendly personalities and easy-going nature make them a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a loyal and affectionate pet. Fawn pugs are one of the most common pug colors. In terms of personality, fawn pugs are known for their playful and outgoing nature. They are social dogs that love to be around people and enjoy spending time with their families. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, which makes them a popular choice for obedience competitions and dog sports. One of the benefits of owning a fawn pug is that they are generally healthy and don't suffer from any specific health issues related to their coat color. However, like all pugs, they are prone to certain health problems such as respiratory issues, skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Fawn pugs also require regular grooming to maintain their coat's health and shine. Regular brushing can help remove loose hair and debris, preventing matting and skin irritation. If you're considering getting a fawn pug, it's necessary to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. You should also be prepared to give your pug plenty of attention, exercise, and training, as they thrive on human interaction and stimulation. In conclusion, fawn pugs are a classic and beloved variation of the pug breed that is known for their friendly personalities and trainability. While they require regular grooming and may be prone to specific health issues, they can make great pets for families and individuals alike. This Pug is fun. Black Pugs Black pugs are a popular and beloved variation of the pug breed, characterized by a solid black coat. Their striking appearance and charming personalities make them a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a loyal and affectionate pet. In terms of personality, black pugs are known for their playful and friendly nature. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, which makes them a popular choice for obedience competitions and agility events. One of the benefits of owning a black pug is that they are generally healthy and don't suffer from any specific health issues related to their coat color. However, like all pugs, they are prone to certain health problems such as respiratory issues and skin allergies. Black pugs are also prone to obesity, so it's essential to keep them on a healthy diet and exercise routine. Black pugs also require regular grooming to maintain their coat's health and shine. If you're considering getting a black pug, it's critical to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Silver Pugs Silver pugs are a rare color variation of the pug breed, characterized by a light silver or gray coat. This color variation is caused by a dilution gene that affects the pigmentation of the dog's fur, resulting in a unique and eye-catching appearance. While silver pugs are rare and often sought after by collectors, they are not recognized by major kennel clubs as a distinct breed color. However, this does not diminish their unique appeal and charm. In terms of personality, silver pugs are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They are intelligent, social dogs that love to be around people and thrive on human interaction. This makes them great pets for families and individuals who are looking for a loyal and loving companion. However, like all pugs, silver pugs are prone to typical health issues, including respiratory problems, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and sensitivity to sunlight. It's important for potential owners to be aware of these health risks and to take the necessary precautions to keep their silver pug healthy and happy. If you're considering getting a silver pug, it's crucial to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Brindle Pugs Brindle pugs are a distinctive color variation of the pug breed, with a coat that features a mix of dark and light stripes. This unique coat pattern can vary in intensity and color, ranging from light brown to deep black, and can create a striking and eye-catching appearance. Brindle pugs are known for their playful and energetic personalities, making them great pets for families with children. One of the benefits of owning a brindle pug is that they are generally healthy and don't suffer from any specific health issues related to their coat color. However, like all pugs, they are prone to distinctive health problems such as respiratory issues, joint dysplasia, and skin allergies. Brindle pugs also require regular grooming to maintain their coat's health and shine. If you're considering getting a brindle pug, it's essential to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Albino Pugs Albino pugs are a rare variation of the pug breed that have a white coat and pink eyes, nose, and paw pads. This is due to a lack of pigmentation in their skin, hair, and eyes, which can cause them to be more sensitive to sunlight and other environmental factors. Although albino pugs are unique and eye-catching, they are also more prone to certain health issues compared to other pug colors. Albino dogs are more likely to develop skin cancer and sunburn, as well as eye problems such as cataracts and vision loss. Albino dogs may benefit from wearing dog goggles to protect their eyes. Albino pugs also have a higher risk of deafness, which can be a result of the same genetic mutation that causes their lack of pigmentation. This can be a challenge for owners, as deaf dogs require special training and communication methods. Despite these challenges, many people still choose to adopt or purchase albino pugs because of their striking appearance and affectionate personalities. Albino pugs are known for their friendly and loving nature, and they can make great companions for families and individuals alike. It's important to note that albino pugs should always be protected from the sun and other environmental factors that can harm their skin and eyes. They should also receive regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health and detect any potential issues early on. Apricot Pugs Apricot pugs are a unique and rare variation of the pug breed, known for their beautiful apricot-colored coat. These pugs have a gentle and affectionate temperament, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. In terms of personality, apricot pugs are known for being playful, outgoing, and sociable. They love spending time with their owners and enjoy being around other pets and children. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for obedience competitions and agility events. While apricot pugs are generally healthy, they may be more prone to certain health issues such as skin allergies and respiratory problems. It's important to keep their coat clean and groomed to prevent any skin irritation or infections. Apricot pugs require regular exercise to maintain their health and energy levels. This can include daily walks, playtime in the yard, or indoor activities such as puzzle toys and training sessions. They also enjoy mental stimulation, so providing them with challenging toys and games can help keep them happy and engaged. If you're interested in getting an apricot pug, it's important to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. You should also be ready to give your pug plenty of attention, love, and training to help them thrive. Other Pug Colors Aside from the main colors mentioned above, there are other less common colors for pugs. It can have implications for their health and well-being, as well as their aesthetic appeal. Every color pug, with their unique and elegant appearance, is a highly coveted color variation of their beloved breed. However, it's important to remember that personality and compatibility should be the primary factors when choosing a pet, regardless of their color. As with any breed of dog, it's crucial to consider the responsibilities and commitments of pet ownership before making a decision. By doing so, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for both you and your furry friend. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Can a non-standard colored pug still be registered with a kennel club? For example: the AKC recognizes two pug colors as breed standard, fawn and black. These are the colors required for a pug to be a show dog and compete in the ring. They are the breed standard. However, a non-fawn or black pug can still be AKC registered — they will just not be allowed in the show ring. Silver-fawn, apricot, and even rare and controversial colors like brindle, can be registered with the AKC and listed as an alternate color. So, if you see a non-standard colored pug listed as registered with the AKC, it is entirely possible. You can read it here. The pug breed standard is the blueprint for the breed, and the target for which breeders should aim. The Pug Dog Club of America firmly states that: All reputable breeders of pugs are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black. The most common pug colors: Fawn Pug Fawn is the most common pug color. Their muzzle or mask, and ears, should be as black as possible. Black Pug Even though fawn is the most common color of pug, the black gene is dominant. Black pugs have a rich, dark coat, and their muzzle or mask, and ears are black too. Silver-fawn and Silver Pugs Silver-fawn is oftentimes labeled as a type of fawn. They have a shiny gray sheen to their coats and are the lightest color a pug can be. Silver-fawn pugs are pretty rare, and many who have them categorize them as fawns, instead of silver-fawns. Apricot Pugs Apricot pugs have warm undertones of orange in their coats. The hues of orange are richer and deeper in color than the common fawn coloring. They include:. What about the 28th most popular breed in America…the delightful, incredibly cute Pug? See what we mean about scratching your head? What colors do Pugs come in? Many variations exist in the Fawn color which can range from Light Cream to Apricot. Any other color is considered to be a disqualification. However, while black is black, fawn covers many shades and hues from light to medium cream. Pugs who are actually silver or apricot both of which can be quite similar to pure fawn depending on the shade can be registered as being fawn and therefore are eligible to compete, or they can be listed as an alternative color which would state their true color but be a disqualification in the show ring. So, technically, yes, the AKC only permits two colors in the show ring but makes it possible for both silver and apricot-fawn Pugs to be registered as fawn. The Canadian Kennel Club CKC , however, only allows for fawn which can include both light and dark shades, silver-fawn, and black. Fawn Nearly two-thirds of all Pugs are fawn in color. The fawn color can range from a very light cream to a medium cream to various shades of gold, or have silver undertones on a cream background. Tones of very light orange or even subtle hints of red are sometimes noted in this most common color, but a rich cream color is preferable. While many fawn Pugs are mostly uniform in color, some may have a combination of fawn shades on their body with some areas being much lighter or darker than others. Black Black Pugs should be a uniform, deep black over the entire body. Occasionally a small white marking will be present on the chest and even more rarely one or more paws will be white. This is due to the presence of a parti-factor gene and is a major fault in the show ring. This white coloration is possible in all coat colors but is particularly noticeable in black Pugs. Pugs who have two black color genes appear to have a rich, bluish-black color in sunlight and will always produce black puppies because black is a dominant color. Pugs with one black color gene and one fawn color gene will be black as well but will have more of a rusty or brown sheen to the coat in sunlight. They can produce either fawn or black puppies depending on what color genes are contributed by their mate. Silver and Silver-Fawn As you might expect, silver Pugs have a lovely gray sheen to their coats which can be medium to dark in color. The silver-fawn color is very light and is a variation of fawn. Both colors may be registered as fawn if the dog is able to be registered and the owner so chooses. Apricot and Apricot-Fawn Apricot is a deeper orange color than fawn. Apricot Pugs often have a patch of lighter color on the chest area or elsewhere on the body, particularly above the facial mask. Owners of an AKC-registrable Pug may choose to register an apricot or apricot-fawn as a fawn or as an alternative color. Special Markings Mask and Ears All non-black Pugs should display a deep black facial mask beginning underneath the chin, covering the muzzle, and extending over the eyes. The ears also should be black. Thumbprint A dark thumbprint darkened patch of color on the forehead and a dark trace line of darker color on the back are highly desirable but are not seen on all Pugs. The AKC prefers all markings to be intense and as black as possible. Smuttiness Some Pugs may display what is known as smuttiness. This term refers to an overabundance of black hairs intermingled with a lighter colored coat. A small sprinkling of black hairs here and there on a light-colored dog is normal and does not qualify as smuttiness, but if it occurs to the extent that the coat appears to be a different color, the dog is said to display smuttiness. Smuttiness is considered to be a fault in the show ring and points will be deducted from the overall score. It is not, however, a disqualification. Both parents pass on their genes to the puppy, which determines the coat color of the dog. With black being the dominant color, one black and one fawn parent will produce a black Pug. This means that fawn-colored Pugs are the result of two recessive genes. Although the black gene is the dominant one, fawn-colored dogs are more popular and more commonly found. Pugs come in four primary colors, namely fawn, silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, and black. Where things become confusing is how a fawn-colored dog is determined as the AKC range for this color is anything from light to medium. Dogs that do not fall into one of these two color categories can still be registered as purebred Pugs with the AKC but as an alternate color. Alternate color Pugs can not be shown in the AKC conformation show ring. Also, show judges will consider the color they see in competition and not just what the registration papers say as somethings the line between real fawn and silver or apricot is blurred. As a result, breeders in the United States try not to allow silver or apricot tones within their purebred fawn Pugs. The Canadian Kennel Club CKC allows three of these colors, namely black, silver-fawn and fawn with fawn allowing anything from light gold to a deep apricot. Fawn Pug The most common color, about two-thirds of all Pugs are in the fawn color range, which is a light to medium cream. Silver, or silver-fawn Pugs, are not very common. This color is the lightest you will find in this breed as it is like a light, silvery cream. On the other hand, Apricot-fawn or apricot Pugs have a cream-colored coat with warm, shiny orange undertones. Like silver Pugs, apricot-colored dogs are not very common. Sometimes the apricot color is also not found on their entire body but is more prevalent in patches, specifically on the chest. Black-colored Pugs usually have one black and one fawn parent with a brown sheen to their coat in the sunlight. The most common marking is the mask, in which the face has black markings that start at the chin, cover the muzzle, and surround the eyes. The mask can vary quite a bit, covering almost the entire face or separated between the muzzle and eyes. Some have light-colored hairs throughout their masks. But in the show ring, the darker the Pug mask, the better. On non-black Pugs, trace and thumbprint markings are also sometimes visible. These markings are desired in the show ring of all kennel clubs, although not all Pugs will have these markings. Just like with their mask, thicker and darker traces are more desirable when being shown. Although irregular in shape, the thumbprint is most often seen as circular or oval. The thumbprint is caused by the shadows of the wrinkles and its darker-colored fur. Some dogs also have markings known as smuttiness. Smuttiness refers to black hairs covering an otherwise light coat, forming a gray coloration on a dog. These darker hairs can occur anywhere on a dog, including the legs, saddle, and head. The denser these hairs, the more smuttiness a dog has. Smuttiness is considered a fault and is not desirable for show dogs. Some Pugs have a mismark, which are small, white markings on their paws and chest. This can be seen in all colors of Pugs and is due to the parti-factor gene. What is the Rarest Pug Color? When looking for a Pug puppy to call your own, you may stumble upon some rare, trendy, and exotic colors. This includes white, brindle, chocolate, pink, and even panda Pugs. Discover more about these different colors below. One very famous White Pug is named Marshmallow, and he is an internet sensation! Solid white pugs can often be mistaken for albinos but are more likely the result of a crossbreed with French Bulldogs or Pekingese. Unlike albinos, white Pugs will have dark paws, eyes, and a dark nose. Brindle Pugs Although rare, Brindle-colored Pugs do occur. This coloring gives the dogs a striped appearance with interlocking light and dark colors. Cute brindle Pug dog standing looking up portrait Brindle colored Pugs are typically grey to black. This coat color is not accepted as a standard color by any major kennel clubs and thus not eligible for show. As a result, champion show dogs do not have brindle genes, and this coloring is not bred within registered breeders. However, some paintings of Pugs in the s do show Pugs with brindle coats. In all likelihood, this coat color died out due to it not being desired by breeders. Thus, it is assumed that modern Brindle pugs were bred at some stage with Boston Terriers or French Bulldogs to reintroduce this coloring. However, this could have been done multiple generations back, resulting in some purebred lines still having a random brindle variant pop up from time to time. These dogs will always produce black puppies. These black dogs are the result of two dominant black parents and are quite rare to find. These dogs have a distinctive pattern to their coat, a mottled coloring similar to that seen in Australian Shepherds. This can either be fawn and black or black and white-colored, also known as blue-merle. Koto is the first known Chocolate Pug to exist in the United States and was born to one fawn parent and one black parent. These dogs have predominantly white coats with black markings, generally around the eyes and ears, giving them a panda-like appearance. They can sometimes also have one or two blue eyes. This gives the dog a similar coat coloring to what you might find on a Rottweiler. Unlike white Pugs, albinos with this rare genetic mutation will have light pink skin, and the lips, ears, paws, and nose will also be pink. These dogs do not have white fur but rather fine hairs that appear white when all grouped. These dogs will also have ashen blue eyes. This is a recessive gene, and thus dogs of this coloring are scarce. Be very careful of anyone marketing dogs of this color variant, as many health issues will likely plague these dogs. Platinum Pugs Platinum Pugs are a deep, dark grey. They are distinctly darker than fawn-silver Pugs and not as dark as purebred black Pugs. Some very smutty fawn or silver Pugs are often passed off as Platinum Pugs by unscrupulous breeders. Is it okay to get a rare-colored Pug? These rare colors are typically not part of the purebred Pug bloodline and are not accepted by any major kennel club. It is thus likely that at some point, purebred Pugs have been bred with other dog breeds to achieve these colors. So, you may never know quite what you are getting when you purchase a Pug in a rare color. Genetic analysis may even reveal that your Pug is not even a purebred dog at all. The Pug Dog Club of America clarifies that any reputable breeder should not be interested in breeding any Pug color, other than fawn or black. Pug puppies looking adorable in a fuchsia background Pugs can change color slightly as they age. This change typically occurs before the dog is a year old; however, apricot tones may only appear when a dog is older. Some puppies are also born with quite a lot of smuttiness. However, this smuttiness can lighten, darken, or fade as a dog gets older, often leaving the dog with just the trace line down the back. On the other hand, puppies born with noticeable trace lines can see these fade as the dog ages. When it comes to thumbprint markings, most puppies are either born with or without this. It is unlikely that your Pug will develop a thumbprint as they age, but an existing marking can get darker and larger. Why do Pugs lose their color? Just like with humans, Pugs can go gray as they age. This greying typically happens as your dog enters his senior years, around eight years old. Your dog will then go increasingly gray with time. Do Pug Colors Affect Health? While all four standard coat color Pug variants are generally healthy, you can start to see some issues with the rare color Pugs. This is because there is no control over those that are not bred to the breed standards, and often these breeders take shortcuts when it comes to looking after the health and well-being of their dogs. One particular variety to be wary of is the Albino Pug. Selective breeding Albino Pugs can result in many health problems, including issues when exposed to sunlight due to the lack of pigment in their body. This can lead to pain and irritation of the eyes and skin and an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer. How About Pug Eye Color? All Pugs should have brown eyes. Blue is not in the genetic code of the Pug; however, like humans, these dogs can be born with darker blue eyes, which will naturally darken as the dog ages and their melanin levels increase. Your dog should have his set eye color by the age of seven weeks. This brown can range from a medium brown to a very dark, almost black color. If you are looking for a dog that sheds less, you may consider getting a black Pug. Some black Pugs are born with a single coat that sheds less; however, this is not guaranteed, and some black Pugs still have two layers of fur. On the other hand, fawn-colored hair tends to be less noticeable around the house, on your clothes, and on furniture. Either way, be sure to regularly brush your Pug to get rid of any dead and loose hairs. Bathing is only necessary once a month, taking care to wipe out the wrinkles and keep them free from moisture. Will you go for the standard yet cute fawn Pug, the rarer silver or apricot varieties, or opt for a Pug in beautiful black? Do you already own a Pug? Let us know what color they are in the comments below. Further reading: Pug mixes.

Poodle Clips Overview One of the most fascinating and interesting elements of the Poodle breed are the amazing clips of the coat. The owner of a pet Poodle may simply choose to keep the entire coat trimmed to a certain length.Or the owner of a pet or show Poodle may want the appropriate show cut. The AKC requires certain cuts depending on the age of the Poodle. Let's take a look at the proper Poodle clips for AKC conformation and what each clip entails. When showing, this is the only acceptable clip for Poodles under 1 year old. Many pet owners opt for this cut as well, as it allows for the Poodle to have full coverage over the body, without exposing any skin, except for the dog's small paws. When skin is exposed it is subjected to the sun and can develop possible sores from playing around in the yard or when exposed skin is resting against carpeting. With this type of clip, the Poodle's face, throat, paws and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. You may opt to have a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is done with scissors to even things up and get rid of any long, straggly hairs. The face, front legs between poms and elbow, hind quarter to the pom area and with the exception of the hip rosettes, feet, and base of tail are all shaved very closely. The pack area is left very, very long and scissored into shape. The top knot is left very long and pulled into a ponytail. The tail is given a very large pompon. Poms on the legs are started just above the wrist and hock joints and end just above the feet. They are also scissored round. The hip rosettes are placed directly over the Poodle's hip joint. These are also scissored round. The reason that this is allowed is that the only element which is "modified" is the lack of the hip rosettes, which are optional. English Saddle With this clip, the Poodle's face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and paws are all closely shaved. The pack is left rather full and is scissored into shape. The top knot on the head is left long and pulled back into a pony tail. The poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket. The tail's pom is left long and shaped into a ball. The poms on hind legs are rounded off and spaced evenly apart. The bottom pom begins just above the hock and ends above the feet. With this Poodle clip, the face, feet, throat, and base of the tail are shaved close, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head. The rest of the dog's body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short, soft blanket of coat approximately 1 inch long. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. There is a nice, fluffy pompon at the end of the Poodle's tail. It is also referred to as the 'Second Puppy Clip'. The hair on the top may be left puffed out or pulled into a topknot. The coat is allowed to be very low on the legs, only showing a bit of the paw. It is a nice clip that offers a pleasant shape while not exposing any skin. Since coat growth can quickly cause this clip to loose shape, it is retouched approximately 5 to days before a show event. Kennel Clip - This is a pet clip, meaning that many pet owners opt for this easy clip and it is not permissible in the AKC show ring. Body hair is short all over and just scissored into shape. The top knot and tail are left longer than the body hair. The length of the body hair is completely up to the owner, some opt for a shorter length in the hotter months and longer in colder months. Lamb Clip - This is very similar to the Kennel Clip. The only difference is that the coat is left longer. With this Poodle clip, the dog's face, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. Body hair is left fluffy but not too long and then scissored into shape. The legs are shaped into a pom at the bottom starting just above the wrist and the hock ending just above the feet. The length of the hair is up to the owner, however, most opt for a very short clip. Dutch Clip - This is an interesting pet clip. The Poodle's face, neck area, belly band, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. The belly band may be shaved thin or wide, as shown in the photo. The lines between the withers along the spine and between the hips along the spine are also shaved. These lines are very narrow. The top of the head, the legs, and tail are left very fluffy. As you can imagine, the coat cannot be brushed in the traditional sense, cords must be separated out by hand. This used to be a very popular way to keep the coat long ago, however now this is exceedingly rare since most pet owners simply do not have the time to braid the section, keep the coat clean or wait for the exceedingly long drying time that comes with such large dread-lock type sections. This an exceptionally difficult style to do and to maintain which keeps owners away even if the look is a desired one. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If you have to pay a beautician to clip a Standard Poodle every four to six weeks it can prove to be a very expensive outlay. You can ring round for prices, but do be sure to choose a trimmer that likes the breed. Find a kind, competent trimmer. Standard Poodles should enjoy their trip to the hairdresser. You may decide to learn how to clip your pet yourself. If you intend to show your dog, it is essential to learn to trim the dog yourself, unless you happen to be rich. Standard Poodles people are generally most friendly and helpful; you may find somebody in your area that will assist you. It is not advisable to learn to trim on a puppy. All puppies wriggle and you could become exceedingly frustrated, which will do neither you nor your puppy any good at all. Even the most perfectly behaved dog can react nervously to a novice trimmer, pulling its feet away continuously when it normally sits as still as a statue. If you do not own an older dog that is used to being coiffured, then do borrow one when setting forth on your first adventure into trimming. There are books which give step-by-step trimming advice, but these alone are not a magic formula, and first hand help is the best. You must learn the difference between a painful, arthritic joint and a dog playing up because it can or is nervous and worried. Learning handling skills is every bit as important as learning the actual clipping. Before you go rushing out to buy expensive grooming equipment, such as clippers, driers, scissors, and more, take a few lessons and watch, watch, watch. It is better to find out if you are suited to the job before spending vast sums of money. Setting up can prove expensive, but the rewards of trimming your own dogs are many. Trimming is a most satisfying and worthwhile experience; if you love it. CLIPPERS Clipping dogs comes easy to some people, while others have to work extremely hard to get good enough results to walk out in the street with the dog, let alone win with their charges in the show ring. The whole procedure becomes less terrifying and less of an ordeal with practice. If you really do not enjoy clipping your Standard Poodle it will probably be better if you take it to the breeder, or the Poodle Parlour. For those with a burning ambition here a few tips to try to help you, although watching a live performance is also essential. All trims require the feet, face, and tail to be clipped so we will deal with these first, before looking at the different trims and how to do them. Firstly, having established that we have a good, solid, stable table, standing in a sensible position, preferably against a wall in a corner, so that the learner trimmer is more effectively in control, and not worried about the dog moving, and falling off the table and hurting itself, we need a good pair of clippers. There are many good clippers on the market today. It is best to buy the best, and I recommend getting in touch with a good grooming equipment outlet for a catalogue to enable you to see what is on offer. Another good way to find out more about grooming is to attend one of the marvellous Grooming Road Shows that go around the country, as advertised in the weekly dog papers, by breed clubs, or on line. Today we have multiple choices, including the cord-free. Your groomer, or breeder, or teacher will have shown you their preference, but if you can visit a grooming seminar or outlet where you can try different make, and shapes, you will be able to decide what is best for you. A light clipper, a more manual type, cord free, interchangeable blades or sliding all in one — variable sizing ones; usually the cheaper versions. Cordless clippers are a great asset, but fairly expensive, electric clippers such as Andis and Oster are popular, light and easy to handle. They have interchangeable blades, and they come with a quick guide to attaching and removing blades, fitting attachments, essential maintenance and important warnings. There are also a videos, and help and advice. For trimming the feet, face and tail you will need a number 10 or 15 blade. Most clippers come with a free No 10 blade. Closer clipping is usually for the show dog, or very thick coated dog. Clippers come with cleaning fluid for the blades, or you may have to purchase this. Each blade should be cleaned after use, and sprayed with a cool-lubricant during use. During use the blade must be checked on your face for heat. With a novice it may take some time to do the clipping, so it is essential to check the blade is not getting too hot to use. It can burn the skin and put the dog off clipping for a long time. Clean the debris off the clipper after use. For the pet dog a winter blade such as the Andis or Mastergroom No 4. And in summer a 5 or 7 can be used on the body, and body and the legs if Sporting style is preferred, depending on thickness of coat. The professional groomer will have many pairs of scissors for different trimming, but for the novice, or pet owner trimming their own dog, one pair will suffice to begin with. Try the different scissors and see which suits you. They are available from retail outlets, at dog shows, and grooming seminars. What is comfortable to one person may be too heavy, too short, too professional or wrong handed. Talk to an expert, professional outlet for advice on what best to start with, before forking out a large sum for something unsuitable, when a reasonably priced pair of scissors will be perfectly adequate. There is a lot of scissor work to be done on a Standard Poodle unless it is cut down in pet trim, and only practise will allow the groomer to achieve a smooth, almost satin finish to the well-cared-for coat. Finishing is an art that some excel in more than others. Different scissors give different finishes and the groomer must try several pairs of scissors in order to find the pair which is right for them. Most sales outlets are happy to help you choose the right type. Scissors vary in price and in order to sustain the outstanding presentation that some groomers achieve, it is imperative to buy quality products, such as clippers, scissors as well as shampoo and finishing sculpture conditioner. It really does make a difference and the investment is worthwhile. Finishing is achieved by literally skimming over the coat with the scissors accurately placed to edge the coat. As the Poodle coat constantly grows and moves, and has a natural tendency to curl, despite straightening conditioners, this finish will not last but still the dog will look expertly smart for the time being. Good scissoring is an art. It is fascinating to watch groomers from different parts of the world scissoring in their own style to achieve perfection. By attending Grooming Seminars you can see this interesting skill in action, and will see that different groomers have their individual styles. Some fluff the hair outwards before commencing scissoring, and some comb it upwards. Some will say one way is the only correct way, but I have seen dogs turned out to sheer perfection both ways. The same goes for how you hold a pair of scissors. There is a correct way of holding scissors, using thumb and fourth finger that will give you more control, once you have mastered it. With all styles, the Poodle will need to have his feet, face and tail clipped. We will deal with this first. There are certain rules to observe. Apart from the feet, always use clippers with the growth of coat. Where the face is concerned, always clip away from the eye. Unless you are experienced using clippers, it is quite likely that you will need time to get round all the delicate clipped parts of the Poodle, so use clipper lubricant frequently, every five minutes or so, and check the blade of the clipper for heat by putting it on your face. As soon as it feels more than a little warm, change the blade, or stop until the blade has cooled. Dogs have been burned with hot blades and it takes a long time for them to regain their confidence. It is best to clip clean hair if possible. As a novice it is better to use a No 10 to start with. It may not leave such a tidy finish, but it is very safe with all colours. THE FEET Nearly all dogs have ticklish feet, so they tend to wriggle or pull the foot away from you when you start clipping their toes. However, they soon get used to it and cooperate well. It is best to hold just above the foot firmly, but do not squeeze. Be sure your dog is standing square and is comfortable before taking up the foot, start right rear, front right, left rear, and left front. This way none get forgotten. Be sure to keep the dogs leg under its body, if you pull it out sideways the dog will automatically try to pull it back, and a battle of your doing with arise. Gentle press the toes apart with your second finger and clip all the hair between the toes. And do take special care no to twist the foot as you clip. It is essential to learn the knack of flexing, or turning your wrist every-which-way in order to complete a neat job of clipping the feet. Clip from the toe nail up to the base of the toe. At first you will probably find this difficult, but with practice it will become second nature, with a bit of luck. Some people never feel easy with clipping. However, most enthusiasts find it satisfying, and calming and you are at one with your dog. Better to leave the clipped area low rather than take too make off and make your dog look as though it has chicken feet. Turn or slightly raise the foot in order to clip underneath the foot. Blade No 10 - 15 or 30 for a closer finish on the dark colours. The show dogs are clipped closer and more frequently with a No 15 or 30, keeping the blade as flat as possible but without putting undue pressure on the skin. The hair should never be clipped so close that it cuts, grazes or damages the skin. White dogs often have more sensitive skin so take this into consideration. Do be careful to tighten any loose skin with your fingers before running over with the clipper. Clip under the eye to the inner corner, then from between the eyes at the stop down to tip of nose. Now clip from under the eye towards the muzzle, to the nose. Repeat on other side of face. Clip the chin from edge of mouth to nose, taking care to tighten loose skin at all times. For the show Poodle the neck is clipped into a U-shape, shaving hair down to an inch or two above the breastbone, depending on style of mane, and emphasis required to show off length of neck. TAIL Stand the dog away from you, or to the side. Clip from the base of the body to a third of the tail length, leaving enough hair on the tail to leave a pom-pom, or plumage. Clip underneath the tail and hygiene area, taking care around the sensitive anus area. No 15 is generally used. Most pet Standard Poodles are in the Sporting trim for ease, comfort and efficiency. Plus it looks elegant and eye-catching. The lamb trim and the sporting trim is the most popular for pet dogs, the sporting trim is now widely seen in many parts of the world. In the show ring over the past few years we have seen a change in trimming. Not all Standard Poodles are shown in the traditional Lion clip. The puppy Lion has become increasingly popular. And more sculptured trimming is seen, sometimes to a degree of exaggeration, it has to be said. Here are some of the more well known trims for show and pet Standard Poodles. Clip from base of head, just beneath the ears, down the top, and underneath of neck. Lift leg and clip under the arm taking care not to catch the loose skin under the arm, and along the chest to the groin. Clip neck to just above shoulder level, along the back to base of tail, and just above the hip, then along and downwards over rib cage to groin. Clip underneath, stomach, groin, carefully taking hair from around nipples and genitals always holding the delicate parts as you go to ensure safety. Brush through remaining hair, trousers, topknot and tail, removing all tangles with slicker brush and wide tooth comb, and where necessary, to prevent causing the dog too much discomfort, the mat-breaker. Anti-tangle conditioner can be used. Bath the dog in a suitable natural enhancing shampoo such as tea tree and lavender oil, or protein coat strengthening formula with consideration to colour and condition of coat. Use a quality conditioner such as sculpture finish, to aid scissoring, or a stay-in conditioner. Blow the coat dry, brushing all the time in sections from bottom of leg upwards, with pin or slicker. Bathing the hair will lift it slightly so tidy any clipped areas where necessary by going over with same depth blade as before. Hem by scissoring round bottom of leg hair. Feet should only barely be seen. Scissor the legs going with the contours of the limbs, using a silhouette line, with scissors pointing downwards or upwards but never crossways apart from when hemming starting from bottom of leg and keeping the line going to the top, then taking the next line and repeating the process, finally skimming across the hair to blend in. Holding muzzle, comb hair forward and scissor topknot across the eye, upwards, comb hair to the left and trim across the top of the ears and back of neck, then repeat on right side. Trim over top taking care to leave a nice top, but being sure the dog can see clearly. Here the feet and face are clipped as usual, and the body clipped with a coarser blade to leave about enough hair to give the appearance of close wool or astrakhan. With No 5 or No 7 blade, clip neck from base of head, down over shoulder, down back to tail, down and along ribcage and under chest, stomach and groin area. Clip back leg, inside and out to an inch above hock joint. Then, with an eye line to balance, clip inside and out of front leg to same level. Bath and dry as for Lamb trim. Scissor the topknot as for Lamb. Comb outwards and scissor bracelets into oval shape. Trim tail as for Lamb. Most Standard Poodles look glamorous in this eye-catching trim. Blade No .Clip under neck to point of breastbone and on top to about 5cm above withers. Taking a direct line and shave a blades width between the shoulders, across withers, continue the line to the base of tail. Clip abdomen from groin to navel and then downwards, incorporating the insides of the thighs. Brush through entire unclipped hair. Bath in suitable shampoo and blow dry as for Lamb. Go over clipped part on body to ensure a tidy finish. Scissor the top and tail as for Lamb. Scissor back legs to neat finish, leaving a pronounced curve at edge of clipped parts. Scissor the front area leaving pronounced curve to clipped area. The feet, face and tail are clipped as normal. The body hair is kept long, but is sculpted with scissors into an attractive shape to enhance the body contours. Fluff up all body hair, and then allow it to fall, or the dog to shake itself. Scissor the coat to an even length all over the body, including the legs. As the coat grows in length, scissor the hair slightly shorter from the base of the tail, gradually blending the hair up towards the body to obtain an effective, easy-on-the-eye, shape. This clip is sometime called the T clip, although it is not strictly as acute as the Scandinavian outline in all countries. For the novice it is a good idea to put a narrow bandage around the dog at just below this point to distinguish an even line and be sure the balance is right. Roughly one third is trimmed shorter while two thirds is left for the mane. Cut with the scissors held straight, up the edge of your line or bandage from the near side, up one side, over body and down the other side. This is more easily achieved when the dog is standing square with its bottom towards you. Scissor back legs to an even length taking in consideration of rear angulations, which are accentuated. Once you are well practised with scissors and have a good eye, using a photograph of a beautifully contoured dog, and copy the up-to-date trimming. Next, flick the mane with the comb, allow the dog to shake and the hair to settle, then scissor round, rather like skimming over the coat, keeping scissors level, to achieve a blend where mane meets shorter back hair to enhance the appearance of a well defined neck. Shape round mane, shaping incline from brisket up towards ear. Scissor the front legs to tubular shape, moulding or sculpturing to blend where they join the mane at elbow. Scissor the tail as for Lamb. This trim takes longer to wash, longer to dry, and a lot longer to scissor to perfection. The scissoring here is artistically demanding. However, when it is carried out by an expert, the result is stunning. It is always advisable to clip the mane in before the back end to make it easier to balance. Usually the dog will have been trimmed into Puppy Lion before this so the mane line will already be taken care of. It is useful to have a photograph of a beautifully turned out Standard Poodle to copy from when first attempting this trim. Clip feet face and tail. Groom, bath, condition and blow the hair dry as for puppy. If you have not already parted the coat behind the rib cage as in Puppy Lion, do this first. It is always advisable to clip the mane in before the back end to make it easier to achieve a good balance. Again, a bandage can be used for forming lines. This is always a good idea as you can tie it around at the given points and move it up or down to achieve a balance before putting your scissors in. Apply the bandage about two inches 10cm above the wrist, the first joint above the foot look to see if this will allow you to scissor a nice oval bracelet. Cut above the bandage line, clip with No 10 up the front leg to remove the hair up to the joint of the elbow. Do not clip over the elbow. Trim bracelet by combing out and tipping ends to an oval shape. It is a good idea to leave the bracelet slightly longer than you think is right, so that you can look at your work and take off more if necessary. Scissor round bottom of mane to achieve a ball finish, curved scissors are good for this job. It will take time and patience to learn this art, but it will come with practice. Again it is useful to have a photograph to copy from. Now for the tricky part! Again, it is a good idea to use a bandage about one inch thick to help guide your cutting lines. Feel for hock joint first joint above back foot and apply the bandage about one inch above. Feel for knee joint and apply second bandage just above to define. Stand back and check that there is a good balance between the three defined points. Move the bandage slightly up or down until you feel happy that the dog looks right. With the scissors, cut a thin line above the bandage. These points can be carefully clipped, or more defined with scissors. When starting on the other leg do check that your lines correspond from behind. Be careful not to make your scissor or clipped lines too wide as this may completely spoil your finished picture. Comb hair upwards and allow it to settle. Scissor each section to a smooth rounded finish. The pack over loin and hip can be trimmed evenly to a length of about an inch. Poetry in motion is what you are trying to achieve. This trim is far from being easy and takes much practice to get right. Scissor the tail. In England this trim is less seen now than it used to be, as our Kennel Club does not demand it. Certainly it takes less time than the Traditional or Puppy, but there is still a lot of work here to make it as beautiful as it should look. This trim is mostly seen on the Standard Poodle, though favoured in countries such as Japan in all three sizes, but is not popular with the general public as it is rather revelling. Clip feet, face and tail, bath, condition and blow the hair dry as for Puppy. Cut in front end mane as for Lion, including scissoring to finish. For beginners it is a good idea to place a saucer on the hip joint to define a rosette. Take the scissors and cut round the saucer. Remove the saucer and you will reveal a large rosette. Depending on whether the dog is longer in back than it should be, or perfectly proportioned the saucer can be moved backward or forward to achieve the best balance before cutting commences. With No 10 blade, start clipping from a position just above the hock joint and clip up to your newly made rosette. Clip round this being careful not to clip the rosette itself. Clip the narrow area between the end of mane and the rosette. Lifting hair with comb, scissor round rosette to achieve a smart round puff of hair. Trim tail as for other trims. Pet owners almost invariably skimp on brushing their dogs which then come into the grooming salon every six weeks or so with mats and tangles in their coat. Once upon a time, the only considerate and kind way to deal with such felted mats was to get underneath the mat with a fine blade and clip it off. Now, with some conditioning spray, combs and mat-breakers, the groomer has a wider choice and more capacity to sort out a neglected coat. But still, the prime consideration must be to the dog, and if the best solution is to clip off the coat then this must be done. It will grow again. If you brush and comb your Standard Poodle on a regular basis his coat will always look smart, even after a dig in the garden or getting thoroughly muddy, once dry the coat will brush out marvellously. If you are growing the coat to show your Poodle, new grooming techniques will have to be employed. If you want to show then it is essential for you to be able to bath and clip and groom your Poodle yourself, otherwise the procedure will be very expensive. Trimming a pet is one thing, turning out a show dog is something else, and takes many people years to perfect. Luckily Poodle people are generally very kind and helpful. Breeders and expert trimmers can and do help novice exhibitors with their trimming. The best advice is to watch, listen and learn. In time you will, hopefully, be trimming as well as the best. It is a good idea to have a professional photograph of a dog in show trim on the wall when you start scissoring the mane and legs of your Poodle, and try to copy it. Remember no artist ever painted a masterpiece the first time he picked up a paintbrush. It will take time, sweat and tears to perfect scissoring skills, unless you are extremely blessed. Your Poodle show dog will need brushing everyday, or at least three or four times a week, depending on its individual coat and whether or not it is at the age between ten and fourteen months when it is changing its coat from puppy to adult. If you brush the dog every day your task of growing the coat will be easier. Brush carefully each strand of hair. To do this lay your Poodle on its side, start brushing at the bottom of the ribcage, part layers with a tail comb or your fingers and brush the hair downwards. Brush each layer until you reach the spine; include the neck hair, top and ears. The turn your dog over and start the other side. I often do this sitting on the floor watching television, the dog relaxed in front of me. If you have attended shows you will have seen Poodles being groomed this way. All dogs are thoroughly groomed before they go into the show ring. De-matting - tangles that have formed overnight on a dog going through a coat change, needs care. Often it is more beneficial to split the hair with your fingers. Wet hair is more pliable and not quite so susceptible to breakage. Comb with a wide tooth comb, never a fine one. Use a good conditioner if the coat is dry. Spray-in conditioners are good and can be used at any time. Spray from the bottom of the ribcage up, parting the hair as you go to ensure all the layers are conditioned and the solution has not just run over the top. When preparing a coat for the show ring, use the conditioner without oil and rinse. Show dogs must have their fun regardless of coat. Exercise is essential to a healthy life. Bones are essential to clean healthy teeth. The topknot can be protected with a snood. Consider what you are spraying into and around your dogs face, nose and mouth. Some sprays and lacquers are toxic. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.